CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Monday morning arrived with the crisp, cool air of a fresh start. Olivia Carter sat behind her sleek mahogany desk in her spacious, modern office at Carter Wave Solutions, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her coffee cup as she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows. The city skyline stretched before her, a reminder that she was back to reality—back to the world where power and strategy ruled.

But despite her usual laser focus, a part of her still lingered in the warmth of her family's mansion.

Her time at home had been nothing short of perfect. The festive holiday had been filled with laughter, long conversations, and cherished traditions. Her sisters had gossiped, their children had run around the grand halls, and her parents had made sure everyone felt at home. Even the late-night conversation with her father on the balcony had left a deep impression on her. His words of encouragement still echoed in her mind.

Now, sitting alone in her office, Olivia felt an unexpected pang of longing.

Home. She missed it already.

But she had work to do.

She took a slow sip of her coffee, centering herself. The game had begun, and she held all the right cards.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Her secretary, Emily, peeked inside. "Ma'am, there's someone here to see you."

Olivia set her cup down. "Who is it?"

Emily hesitated. "He says it's about an urgent business matter. He wouldn't give his name but mentioned that you're expecting him."

Olivia's lips curled into a small smile. The private investigator.

"Let him in," she instructed, leaning back in her chair.

Moments later, the door opened, and a man dressed in a dark suit stepped inside. He had the look of someone who worked in shadows—calm, calculated, and professional. He carried a black folder in one hand and a flash drive in the other.

"Miss Carter," he greeted with a curt nod, closing the door behind him.

"Mr. Hayes," Olivia responded, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I assume you have something for me?"

Hayes placed the folder on her desk and slid it toward her. "Everything you requested. **Detailed proof of Stavros Energy's illegal operations—projects they're running without U.S. government approval, forged environmental impact reports, and offshore accounts tied to bribes."

Olivia's fingers brushed over the folder before she slowly opened it, her eyes scanning the detailed documents, transaction records, and incriminating emails. The flash drive likely contained even more.

As she flipped through the pages, a satisfied smirk formed on her lips.

Perfect.

She had all the evidence she needed. Dimitri Stavros had been so sure of himself, so convinced of his power, but he had underestimated her. And now, she held the upper hand.

She could already imagine the moment—the boardroom, the press, the government officials, Dimitri's arrogant confidence shattering when she exposed him.

Oh, how she couldn't wait to see the look on his face.

"Good work," Olivia said, closing the folder. "You'll receive the rest of your payment by the end of today."

Hayes nodded. "If you need anything else, I'm a call away."

With that, he stood, tipped his head in respect, and left the office.

Olivia leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping against the folder.

Dimitri Stavros thought he was the one in control.

But soon, he'd realize that Olivia Carter was no easy opponent.

She wasn't just playing the game.

She was about to win it.