Chapter 11: Unraveling the Past

Elena had never been one to shy away from the truth, no matter how ugly it was. But now, as she stood in front of Damien, watching the tension coil through his muscles, she realized something.

This wasn't just about his past anymore.

It was about hers, too.

She took a step forward, her voice firm. "Tell me, Damien. What did Richard mean?"

Damien turned away, running a hand through his hair. His usual controlled demeanor was cracking, and that scared her more than anything Richard could have said.

"You don't need to know." His voice was low, strained.

She clenched her fists. "You don't get to decide that."

His head snapped toward her, gray eyes burning. "Don't I? Richard is dangerous, Elena. He manipulates people, twists the truth until you don't know what to believe. That's exactly what he's doing with your brother."

Her stomach twisted at the mention of William. He had looked at her like he wanted to tell her something, but something—or someone—had held him back.

"Then tell me the truth," she demanded. "So I don't have to believe him."

Damien stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sharp exhale, he walked over to the bar cart in the corner of the room, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and took a slow sip.

"When I was sixteen," he began, voice detached, "I found my father dead in his office."

Elena's breath hitched.

Damien didn't look at her, just kept his gaze fixed on the glass in his hand. "The official story was suicide. They found a gun, a note. Everything pointed to it."

She frowned. "But you don't believe that."

He let out a bitter chuckle. "Not for a damn second."

A cold weight settled in Elena's chest. "You think Richard had something to do with it."

"I know he did," Damien said, finally looking at her. "My father was working on something before he died. He found evidence of fraud—millions being funneled into secret accounts. He was going to expose it."

Elena's mind raced, connecting the dots. "And Richard was the one behind it."

Damien nodded. "The night before my father died, he confronted Richard. They had an argument—loud enough that some of the employees overheard. The next morning… he was gone."

She swallowed hard. "But if you have proof—"

"I don't." His jaw tightened. "Richard covered his tracks too well. And with my father dead, the board was too scared to go after him. The case was closed before I even had a chance to fight it."

Elena's hands curled into fists. "That's why he still wants to destroy you. Because you're the only one who knows the truth."

A grim smile tugged at the corner of Damien's lips. "Exactly."

She took a deep breath, trying to process everything. Richard Lawson wasn't just some rival businessman—he was a murderer.

And now, she was caught in the middle of his game.

Her brother was caught in it, too.

She glanced toward the door, her stomach twisting. "William wouldn't be working with him if he knew what really happened."

Damien's gaze darkened. "Are you sure about that?"

Her throat tightened.

She wanted to believe in her brother. Wanted to believe that he wouldn't betray her.

But the truth was, she didn't know him anymore.

And that scared her.

A Dangerous Proposition

A heavy silence settled between them.

Elena was the first to break it. "We need to stop him."

Damien smirked, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "And how do you propose we do that?"

"You said he covered his tracks back then," she said. "But people make mistakes. If we dig deep enough, we might find something that proves he's guilty."

Damien studied her for a long moment. "You're talking about an investigation."

"That's what I do, Damien," she said, lifting her chin. "I find the truth."

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. "You really are fearless, aren't you?"

She crossed her arms. "I don't have the luxury of being afraid."

His expression shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then, he set his glass down and took a step closer to her.

"If we do this," he murmured, "we do it my way. No reckless moves. No unnecessary risks."

Elena held his gaze. "I don't take orders."

His lips twitched. "That's what I'm afraid of."

She exhaled, her pulse unsteady.

This was dangerous.

She was stepping into a war that wasn't hers.

But she couldn't walk away.

Not when her brother was involved. Not when the man in front of her had already lost too much.

"Where do we start?" she asked.

Damien's eyes gleamed. "With Richard's biggest weakness."

She frowned. "Which is?"

His smile was sharp. "His son."

Elena's brows shot up. "Richard has a son?"

"Yes," Damien said. "And if anyone knows his secrets, it's him."

Her heart pounded.

They had a lead.

And now, the real game was about to begin.

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