Chapter 16: The Widow’s Reign

Elsie loved her newfound power

The days following Damian's death were a whirlwind of legal and media fanfares of sympathy. Elsie, the new widow, was the center of it all. She lived in the penthouse and enjoyed it alone, surrounded by the beauty crafted by Damian. The riches, the real estate, the business—all hers now.

With a view from the penthouse floor-to-ceiling windows, she saw nothing but the city skyline. With a big power surge, all of a sudden, she felt she was in charge of everything like never before. She had all she ever wanted, and no one could take it away from her.

Leo swaggered into the room, and he seemed to take over the commanding attention of Damian. "You did well, Elsie," he said, evincing a feeling of respect. "You are untouchable now." 

She turned toward him, an almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. "We did well, Leo. This is our future."

But another thought ventured forth into her otherwise happy mind; it was anxiety. What would she pay for getting all she had ever wanted?

Mama Elsie became proud of her daughter

Mama Elsie paid a visit to the penthouse, her eyes beamed with pride; her heart filled with satisfaction as she surveyed the splendor of her surroundings. "Elsie, my child," she calmly said, "You have done it. You have secured our future."

Elsie nodded, but there was caution in her eyes. "Yes, Mama, but it's not over yet. I need to make sure everything stays under my thumb."

Mama Elsie's face came down hard, and she moved closer, a whisper in her voice. "Be careful, Elsie. These men—Leo and his pals—they're dangerous. You must always ensure that you are in control, always one step ahead of them. They must never be allowed to take away from you what is rightfully yours."

For once, Elsie hesitated while her thoughts allowed a thousand voices in. Her mother was right, but the thought of rebelling against Leo was too awful to entertain. Still, the seed of doubt had been sown by her mother, which grew each minute with apparent vigor.

Leo suggested marriage 

That memorable night, as Elsie sat with Leo in the penthouse, Leo turned to Elsie and said, "This far we have come together now. But there still lies another step ahead toward guaranteeing our future."

Elsie frowned inwardly as her heart started to race. "What do you mean?"

Leo took her hand, gazing into her eyes with iron-clad assurance. "Marry me, Elsie. With you as my wife, no one would be able to question our authority over Damien's empire." 

Flashes of different emotions swirled through Elsie's soul as she thought more about the idea. Her spirit did not accept the marriage. But the influence and aura of Leo over her was like a blood disease. She couldn't refuse Leo any request. Sure, it was a risk, but the idea of strong-arming her way to the throne with Leo was too captivating to resist. With Leo she would be able to fight the combined forces of Sandra, Damian's family, and Jonas. "Yes, Leo," she said, bustlingly. "Let's do it."