The lies between us

Chapter 10: Ethan’s Secrets

Lena stared at the folder Damien had slid across her desk.

She hesitated for only a moment before picking it up, her fingers steady as she flipped it open. Inside were documents—financial statements, property transfers, offshore accounts. But what made her stomach tighten was the name attached to them.

Ethan Blackwood.

More specifically, Ethan and Victoria.

Lena’s grip on the pages tightened. They had been working together all along.

Damien leaned against the desk, watching her reaction. “I take it this isn’t news you were expecting?”

Lena exhaled slowly, forcing herself to stay composed. “I knew Victoria had her hands in Ethan’s affairs, but this…” She scanned the documents again, her pulse racing. “This proves she wasn’t just standing by his side. She was orchestrating everything.”

“Exactly.” Damien folded his arms. “Your stepsister isn’t just his accomplice. She’s the one who’s been controlling him from the shadows.”

Lena clenched her jaw. In her past life, she had thought Ethan was the mastermind, the one pulling the strings. But now she realized the truth—Victoria had played them both.

And she had been blind to it.

Until now.

She closed the folder with a quiet snap, meeting Damien’s gaze. “Why are you showing me this?”

“Because you need to know what you’re up against.” Damien’s expression turned serious. “Ethan was never the real threat. Victoria is the one you should be worried about.”

Lena nodded slowly, absorbing every word. Victoria had always been calculated, always one step ahead. If Lena wanted to win this time, she couldn’t just react—she had to strike first.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, there was a soft rustling sound. A piece of paper slid under her office door.

Lena’s stomach dropped.

She reached for it cautiously, unfolding the note.

The message was short. “You’re not the only one who remembers.”