The Attack

ELENA'S POV

"The walls felt like they were closing in. Every time I glanced at my phone, another notification popped up –headlines, speculations, accusations. My father's legacy, my company, everything I had worked was slipping through my fingers, and I had no idea how to stop it."

Samantha was talking, strategizing, but I barely heard her. The weight of the scandal pressed down on me like a vise, and no matter how many times I reread the headlines, the words didn't change.

FRAUD. EMBEZZLEMENT. COMPANY IN CRISIS.

All lies.

My father had built Hart Enterprises from the ground up, and now, someone was trying to rip it away from me. And the worst part? I didn't even know who.

My stomach twisted with frustration.

Lucian had been there earlier. I still felt the ghost of his presence –his steady gaze that made me forget everything, the way he said my name like it mattered. He'd offered to help, and despite everything, I had wanted to believe him.

"Elena."

Samantha's voice snapped me out of my daze.

"We need to figure out our next move," she said, arms crossed. "You're zoning out."

"I know," I muttered, rubbing my temples.

A part of me wanted to scream. Another part wanted to disappear.

And then, my phone vibrated.

I barely glanced at it until I saw the sender's name.

Unknown Number: "You don't know everything, Elena. If you want the truth about your father, meet me at The Blue Orchid tonight. Before it's too late."

I stared at the screen, my pulse hammering. The Blue Orchid. It was a small café on the outskirts of the city –one my father used to take me to when I was younger.

My breath caught.

Penelope.

She hadn't reached out since Dad's death, she was the closest person to him.

I stared at her message, my mind racing. Why now? Why after all these years?

"Elena?" Samantha frowned, noticing my distraction.

"I need some air," I said quickly, standing up. "I'll be back."

She eyed me suspiciously. "Where are you going?"

I forced a small smile. "Just a walk."

She didn't look convinced, but I didn't give her a chance to argue. I grabbed my coat and left to meet Penelope.

The café was nearly empty except for a few lingering customers sipping coffee in the dimly lit space. I spotted Penelope sitting in the corner, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup.

She looked older than I remembered. Worn down. Like she had been carrying a weight too heavy for too long.

"Elena," she said softly as I sat across from her. "You came."

"You didn't leave me much of a choice."

Her lips curled in a sad smile. "No, I didn't."

I folded my arms. "Why now? Why not after my father died? Why disappear for so long?"

Penelope sighed, her fingers tightening around her cup. "Because it wasn't safe, Elena. I had to disappear for my own safety.

I stiffened. "What are you saying?"

She lowered her voice. "Your father's death… it wasn't an accident."

My stomach dropped.

I stared at her, my pulse pounding. "What?"

She glanced around, as if someone might be listening. "He was murdered, Elena. And whoever did it… they weren't after him. They were after what he knew."

My hands clenched. "And what did he know?"

She hesitated, then shook her head. "I don't know everything, but I know it was something important and dangerous"

A cold chill ran down my spine.

"This doesn't make sense," I whispered. "My father wasn't involved in anything shady. He—"

Penelope leaned forward. "I didn't say he was, but you don't know everything about him"

I swallowed hard. "Then tell me."

She exhaled shakily. "Not here. It's not safe and I've said too much already."

My pulse pounded. "Penelope, you can't stop now."

She exhaled shakily. "The people who came after your father… they didn't just want him gone. They wanted something from him. And now, they think you have it."

"What do I have?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "But watch who you trust"

Her words sent a chill through me.

Before I could press her further, she stood up. "I have to go."

Penelope –"

But she was already disappearing out the door.

On my way home, I think of what Penelope said.

I barely made it inside before Samantha pounced.

"Where did you go?"

I tossed my bag on the couch and ask. "What are you doing here?" I ask trying to hide my tension.

Her eyes narrowed. "Elena –"

"I met Penelope."

That shut her up.

 I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "She told me something."

Samantha's brows furrowed. "What?"

I hesitated. " My dad's death wasn't ordinary."

Silence.

Samantha's lips parted, but no sound came out.

"Elena," she finally said, stepping closer. "Are you serious?

I swallowed hard. "I don't know what to do anymore."

She grabbed my hands. "Do you want to find out how and who was behind his death?"

I looked away. "I don't know."

Because if I searched for answers, I might not like what I found.

Samantha's grip tightened. "Elena… are you okay?"

No. I wasn't.

But I nodded anyway.

"I just need time," I whispered.

Samantha studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Alright."

A heavy pause. Then—

"Elena?"

"Yeah?"

She hesitated. "Be careful with Lucian."

I tensed. "Why?"

She studied me. "I mean, look at the way you let him in today. You listened to him. I saw the way He looked at you. And the way you looked at him.

Heat crept up my neck. "Sam—"

Samantha folded her arms as she interrupted. "I don't trust him."

 "Something about him doesn't sit right with me."

I exhaled. "Sam, I get it. But right now, I have bigger problems."

I wanted to argue. Wanted to tell her she was wrong.

But I couldn't.

Because a part of me wasn't sure if she was.