FALLING APART
Elara left HR's office, her chest tight, knees weak.
She had been suspended. Her reputation at Blackwood Tower shattered overnight.
Whispers followed her down the hall. Phones were raised in secret. Screenshots of the security footage spread like wildfire.
Her inbox was full of pitying and judgmental messages.
She clenched her fists. I didn't do this. I didn't do this.
---
Lucien's Office
Lucien sat behind his desk, head in his hands.
He had watched the footage multiple times.
Every angle. Every detail.
He wanted to believe her. He needed to believe her.
But the evidence said otherwise.
He rubbed his temples.
"Damn it," he muttered.
Just then, his phone buzzed. A notification from Serena.
"Didn't I tell you? She's gone. Your little contract is falling apart."
Lucien slammed the phone down.
"You've crossed a line, Serena," he hissed.
---
Penthouse – Elara's Apartment?
Elara returned to her small rented apartment, feeling hollow.
Her penthouse felt like a memory she couldn't reach.
Her phone buzzed again—Lucien.
"We need to talk."
She ignored it.
Why doesn't he believe me?
She curled up on the couch, burying her face in her hands.
Her mind raced.
Serena. Evan. Everything… I can't fight this alone.
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I'm just a pawn in their game.
---
Lucien's POV
He stormed out of his office, grabbing his coat.
"Someone set her up," he muttered. "I don't care who. I will find them."
His anger burned, but deep down, he knew…
He had almost lost her.
The thought alone made his chest ache.
---
Outside
Serena watched from a distance, sipping champagne.
"She's gone," she said to Evan.
"And this time, she won't come back."
Evan smirked.
"Are you sure? Men like him—"
"He's obsessed," Serena interrupted. "Obsessed doesn't mean she'll stay."
Her smile was cruel, victorious, and cold.