SHADOWS RISING
The night air was thick with tension.
Elara returned home from a long day at Wynn Media Group, exhausted but glowing with pride from her successful client presentation.
She unlocked the door to her apartment—but froze.
The door was slightly ajar.
Her heart raced.
"Lucien?" she whispered, stepping inside.
No answer.
The apartment was eerily silent. Her heels clicked softly on the floor as she moved through the living room.
Then—
A shadow shifted across the balcony.
"Elara Wynn…" a familiar voice hissed.
Her blood ran cold.
Serena.
---
Serena's First Move
Serena had managed to bribe a guard for temporary release and access to city information. She smiled darkly as she looked at the apartment through a pair of binoculars.
"They think they're safe," she whispered.
"They think I've lost."
She clenched her fists.
"This baby, this empire… none of it will last. I'll take everything from them."
---
Lucien's Protective Instinct
Lucien's phone buzzed in his pocket.
Security alert: possible unauthorized entry near apartment.
He dropped everything and ran, heart pounding.
When he arrived, he saw Serena's shadow retreating down the street.
"Elara!" he shouted.
She appeared in the doorway, panic in her eyes.
"He was… she—"
He grabbed her arm gently but firmly.
"Are you hurt?"
"No," she said, voice trembling.
"But she was here. She's… she's dangerous."
Lucien's jaw tightened.
"Then we make sure she never comes near you again."
He picked her up effortlessly, carrying her to the car.
"I don't care what it takes. Nobody threatens my family."
Elara buried her head in his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady her own.
---
Serena's Fury
From a dark alley, Serena watched them disappear.
"They think they can escape me," she whispered, teeth clenched.
"But I've just begun. And soon… I'll have them exactly where I want."
Her phone buzzed—a message from an unknown number:
"Step carefully. The board is weakening."
Her smile returned, cruel and victorious.
"Yes… it's all falling into place."
---
Elara's Fear
Later, back in the apartment, Lucien sat beside her on the couch, holding her hand tightly.
"I won't let her hurt you," he said firmly.
"Or the baby."
Elara exhaled shakily.
"I know… but what if she's always one step ahead?"
Lucien brushed her hair from her face.
"Then we'll stay two steps ahead. Always."
Her hand rested on her stomach. The baby inside her seemed to kick, as if agreeing.
For the first time since the news broke, fear mingled with hope.