Chapter 16: War is a Marathon

Clearing my name was only the first step.

Daniel and Vivian may have been exposed, but they weren't defeated.

No—cornered animals always fought the hardest.

And I had just backed them into a corner.

The real war was just beginning.

Lancaster Estate – Midnight

I stared at the city skyline from my balcony, my fingers curled around a glass of wine. The adrenaline from today's victory was still coursing through me, but deep down, I knew—

This wasn't over.

Nathaniel stepped out onto the balcony behind me, his presence solid and steady. He hadn't said much after the board meeting, but I could feel it—the shift.

For the first time, he was truly looking at me.

Not as an outsider. Not as an enemy.

As his equal.

His voice was quiet. "They'll come back harder."

I took a slow sip of my wine. "I know."

Nathaniel studied me for a long moment. "And what's your plan?"

I turned to him, meeting his gaze with calm certainty.

"I let them think they still have a chance."

Nathaniel's brow lifted slightly. "And then?"

I smiled.

"Then I destroy them from the inside out."

The Next Morning – A New Battle Begins

I expected retaliation.

But even I hadn't expected it this fast.

The moment I stepped into Lancaster Industries, a wave of tension rolled through the office. Employees whispered, eyes darting toward me as I passed.

Something was wrong.

Then, my assistant hurried toward me, her face pale. "Mrs. Lancaster… we have a problem."

She handed me a stack of documents. My eyes scanned them, and my fingers tightened around the paper.

You've got to be kidding me.

Vivian had launched an official lawsuit against me.

The claims?

"Fraud. Manipulation. Defamation."

I almost laughed. How desperate.

Daniel was also making his move.

According to my assistant, several key investors were suddenly withdrawing their support.

Money. Power. Influence.

The Lancaster name was built on those three things.

And now, my enemies were trying to rip them away from me.

I exhaled slowly, my pulse steady. They wanted to test me?

Fine.

I'd show them exactly who they were dealing with.

I turned to my assistant, my voice calm but commanding.

"Schedule a press conference. Today."

Her eyes widened. "A press conference?"

"Yes." I glanced at the documents again before tossing them onto my desk with a smirk. "If they want a war, then let's give them a show."

Later That Evening – Evelyn's Counterattack

Cameras flashed. Reporters filled the grand hall of Lancaster Tower, their voices buzzing with speculation.

And then, I stepped onto the stage.

Silence fell.

I let them wait. Let the tension build. Let the world see me.

Then, I spoke.

"These past weeks, my name has been dragged through the mud." My voice was smooth, unyielding. "Lies have been spread. Accusations have been made."

I met the cameras with a chilling calm.

"But let's talk about the truth."

Behind me, a screen lit up—displaying the lawsuit.

"I am being sued by Vivian Lancaster, a woman who—just days ago—was exposed for conspiring against this very company."

Murmurs. Shocked gasps.

I continued, unbothered.

"And investors are being pressured to withdraw their support. Why?" My lips curled. "Because someone is trying to dismantle this company from the inside. Someone who was recently exposed for treason. Someone who is now desperate."

A new image flashed on the screen—Daniel, caught on security footage, exchanging envelopes of cash with a known Harrington executive.

I tilted my head.

"Tell me, dear investors… is that someone you want controlling your money?"

The room erupted.

Vivian and Daniel had wanted to put me on the defensive.

Instead?

I had flipped the entire game.

That Night – A Shift in Power

Nathaniel was waiting for me when I returned home.

I barely had time to remove my coat before he spoke.

"You were brilliant today."

I glanced at him, surprised.

Nathaniel Lancaster rarely gave praise.

I smirked. "Oh? I thought you preferred to stay neutral."

He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. "Not when it comes to my wife."

Something in his tone sent a thrill down my spine.

For the first time, I saw it—the pride.

He wasn't just tolerating me anymore.

He was choosing me.

And that?

That meant I had won more than just a battle.

I had secured my place.

But I wasn't finished yet.

Vivian and Daniel had tried to play dirty.

Now, it was time to crush them completely.