The Scheming Alliance

Chapter 18: The Scheming Alliance

The next morning, sunlight poured into the conservatory of the Wright mansion, illuminating the pristine white walls and the garden beyond. Eleanor Wright sat at the center of the room, a porcelain teacup in hand. Across from her, Adrian slouched in a leather chair, a smug expression on his face as he recounted the events of the previous evening.

"You saw how defensive Ethan got," Adrian began, his voice laced with mock amusement. "The moment we mentioned marriage, he completely shut down. And I think I know why."

Eleanor raised an elegant brow, her curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."

Adrian leaned forward, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "It's that girl, Danielle James. She's been working closely with him for months. Technically, she's in the administrative office, but lately, she's been handling projects that put her directly in his orbit. I've noticed how he looks at her—there's something there."

Eleanor frowned slightly. "An administrative officer? Ethan's always been cautious about mixing business with anything personal. Are you certain?"

"Positive," Adrian said confidently. "He's different around her—more patient, more invested. It's almost laughable. If he's so attached to her, we can use it against him."

Eleanor's lips tightened, her fingers tapping lightly against the teacup. "Go on."

"It's simple," Adrian explained. "If we encourage this... connection, he'll lose focus. Get him caught up in his feelings, and he'll start slipping at work. Once he makes a mistake, I'll be ready to step in and prove myself to be the better choice to lead Wright Enterprises."

Eleanor's calculating gaze shifted to the garden outside. "If this woman is truly the reason behind Ethan's hesitation, we need to see her for ourselves. Understand her influence. Perhaps we can uncover a weakness."

Adrian's smirk deepened. "I was thinking the same thing. We'll bring her here—make it about work, of course. A departmental review or a project update. Ethan doesn't even need to know."

Eleanor nodded, her decision made. "I'll have Richard arrange it. Danielle will come to the mansion this evening. In the meantime, keep Ethan distracted at the office."

Adrian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Consider it done."

At Wright Enterprises, Ethan was immersed in back-to-back meetings. Despite his packed schedule, his thoughts kept drifting to Danielle. She'd seemed distant during their last conversation, and he knew something was definitely off.

When his assistant interrupted to inform him of a sudden departmental review meeting organized by Eleanor, Ethan's brows furrowed.

"Danielle's department?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," the assistant replied. "She's been requested to attend at the Wright mansion this evening."

Ethan's frown deepened. It wasn't unusual for Eleanor to take an interest in company matters, but the timing felt suspicious.

"Let me know if anything changes," he said curtly, though his unease lingered.

Danielle was caught off guard when she received the email summoning her to the Wright mansion. The message was formal, citing a departmental review of her recent projects and her contributions to key company initiatives. Though she felt uneasy, she reminded herself that Richard Wright, as a member of the board, had every right to request such meetings.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Danielle arrived at the estate. The sprawling mansion loomed before her, its grandiosity more intimidating than inviting. A butler escorted her to the conservatory, where Eleanor and Adrian awaited her.

"Miss James," Eleanor greeted her with a polite smile. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Wright," Danielle replied, keeping her voice steady despite the unease curling in her stomach.

Adrian, lounging in his chair with a casual air, gestured for her to sit. "Ethan speaks very highly of you," he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You must be doing something right."

Danielle blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "That's kind of him to say. I just do my best to support the team."

Eleanor's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Danielle. Her responses were measured, professional, and poised, but there was an earnestness about her—a quality that likely drew Ethan in.

The conversation turned to work, with Eleanor and Adrian peppering her with questions about her role, her ambitions, and her working relationship with Ethan. Though polite, their questions carried a subtle edge that made Danielle feel as if she were under a microscope.

She answered carefully, her professionalism never wavering, but by the end of the meeting, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was about more than just work.

After Danielle left, Eleanor and Adrian reconvened in the conservatory.

"She's intelligent and composed," Eleanor admitted, swirling her tea thoughtfully. "But there's a vulnerability there—a need to prove herself. That makes her... malleable."

Adrian's grin was full of malice. "Perfect. We'll nudge Ethan closer to her, encourage his feelings. The more he's entangled with her, the less focused he'll be on his responsibilities. And when he inevitably stumbles, I'll be there to clean up the mess."

Eleanor's gaze was cold and calculating. "Make it happen, Adrian. The sooner Ethan falters, the sooner Wright Enterprises will have the leader it truly needs."