Chapter 8: Enter Victoria Marcus

Chapter 8: Enter Victoria Marcus

Elena had barely settled into her new reality as Mrs. Sinclair before the first threat to her position arrived, wrapped in designer silk and polished deception.

Victoria Marcus.

Jason's ex-fiancée.

Elena had heard of her before, of course. You couldn't exist in high society without knowing the name Victoria Marcus. Heiress to an empire, devastatingly beautiful, and as ruthless as they came. And now, she was standing at the entrance of Jason's penthouse, a smug smile curving her lips as if she had every right to be there.

Elena had just returned from a meeting with Julian, her lawyer, refining her next move in this marriage of power, not love. The last thing she expected was to find Victoria sauntering up the private elevator like she owned the place.

Victoria's gaze flicked over her with slow, calculated judgment. "Well, well," she drawled, "I was beginning to think you were just a convenient myth. But here you are."

Elena arched a brow, crossing her arms as she stepped in front of the door. "And yet, you weren't invited."

Victoria's smirk deepened. "Oh, darling, I don't need an invitation. Jason and I go way back."

Elena didn't flinch. "Then maybe you should take a hint from history and stay in the past."

A flicker of irritation crossed Victoria's face, but it was gone in an instant. "Feisty. I can see why Jason chose you. He does love a challenge."

Before Elena could respond, the door to the penthouse swung open, revealing Jason, his expression unreadable. His sharp gaze flickered between the two women before landing on Victoria.

Jason sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "Victoria. To what do I owe this completely unwanted visit?"

Victoria stepped past Elena as if she were nothing more than an obstacle. "Come now, Jason, is that any way to greet an old friend?"

Elena followed, shutting the door behind her with a little more force than necessary. "We both know you're not here for a friendly chat. So why don't you tell us what you really want?"

The Power Play

Victoria made herself comfortable on the couch, crossing her legs like she belonged there. "You always were direct, Elena. I like that about you."

Elena didn't sit. Instead, she remained standing, a silent declaration that this was her home, not Victoria's playground.

Victoria took her time, adjusting the bracelet on her wrist before finally speaking. "I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. After all, Jason isn't exactly the settling-down type."

Jason exhaled sharply. "That's enough."

Victoria ignored him, her sharp gaze locked onto Elena. "Do you really think you can hold his attention? Jason gets bored easily."

Elena smiled sweetly. "You would know, wouldn't you?"

Silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Jason said nothing, simply watching, waiting. Letting the battle unfold.

Victoria's lips curled, her amusement wavering. "You're clever. But tell me, Mrs. Sinclair, do you know what you've gotten yourself into? Marriage is just another transaction for Jason."

Elena took a slow step forward, lowering her voice just enough to make sure every word landed. "And yet, he chose me."

Victoria's expression darkened. "For now."

Elena tilted her head. "For as long as I decide."

Jason finally pushed off the doorframe, his patience thinning. "Victoria, you've overstayed your welcome."

Victoria stood gracefully, smoothing an invisible wrinkle from her dress. "I'll be seeing you both soon, I'm sure."

She walked to the door, but before stepping out, she turned to Jason, voice silk-smooth. "Be careful, darling. Some things don't change."

Jason didn't respond.

With one last glance at Elena, Victoria disappeared down the hallway.

Jason's Reaction

Elena exhaled, tension still thrumming in her veins. She turned to Jason. "Your taste in exes is questionable."

Jason chuckled, pouring himself a drink. "You handled that well."

Elena folded her arms. "Did you expect me to fall apart?"

Jason swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching her. "Not quite. But I expected you to play the sweet, dutiful wife role. Instead, you fought back."

Elena lifted a brow. "Disappointed?"

Jason took a slow sip, eyes gleaming. "Not at all. I think I might actually be impressed."

Elena rolled her eyes. "Glad to know I earned the approval of the great Jason Sinclair."

Jason smirked. "Careful, sweetheart. That sharp tongue of yours might just make this marriage interesting."

Elena scoffed, but inside, something unsettling twisted in her stomach. Jason wasn't the only one intrigued.

She had just stepped into a battlefield, and if Victoria was the first enemy to surface, she knew more would follow.

And she had no intention of being the vanquished.