NshedRana

In his first life, Damien Sterling was nothing but a fool. Naïve, trusting, and constantly manipulated by those around him, he lived his life as a tool—used, discarded, and ultimately forgotten. His kindness was repaid with betrayal, his trust exploited, and his life ended in the most humiliating way: alone, broken, and filled with regret.

But fate had a cruel twist in store.

One evening, as Damien wandered the cold streets in a daze, he saw an old woman trying to cross the road. She had always been kind to him—the only person who showed him any genuine warmth. When a truck came speeding toward him, she shoved him aside and took the hit herself.

She died.

Yet, the moment her body hit the pavement, something impossible happened. Time rewound.

Damien woke up years earlier, in his younger body—but with all the knowledge, pain, and betrayal of his past life intact. And that day, everything changed.

The Devil..

The Blacklotus Corporation towered over the city, its glass facade reflecting the neon lights below.

To the public, it was a billion-dollar investment firm.

To those who knew better, it was Selene Blackwood's empire.

Drugs. Money laundering. Arms deals. Political influence.

Selene Blackwood sat in her office, a glass of red wine in hand, overlooking the city she ruled.

Tall, poised, and dangerously intelligent, she was the kind of woman only fools underestimated.

Her assistant entered, eyes cautious.

"There's someone here to see you."

Selene barely glanced up. "I don't do meetings without appointments."

The assistant hesitated. "It's… Damien Sterling."

Selene finally looked up, interest flickering in her cold green eyes.

"Sterling? The one who crushed Richard Vaughn?"

The assistant nodded. "Yes. And he's waiting downstairs."

Selene smirked, swirling her wine.

First Confrontation – Mind Games Begin

Damien stepped into her office, unshaken, unreadable.

Selene studied him like a predator watching prey.

Then, Selene leaned back in her chair. "So. The man who ruined Richard Vaughn. To what do I owe this… honor?"

Damien smiled. "Honor? No, Selene. This is business."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what exactly do you have to offer?"

Damien chuckled. "The real question is… what do you have to lose?"

Selene's amusement faded slightly.

She was powerful, yes. But even powerful people had weaknesses.

The Proposal – A Partnership or a War?

Damien walked to the window, gazing at the city below.

"You built an empire, Selene. But empires… they crumble. Richard Vaughn thought he was untouchable too. And now? He's nothing."

Selene's eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me?"

Damien turned, his smirk cold. "Not at all. I'm offering you something better."

Inside were classified financial records—leaks, vulnerabilities, proof that even Blacklotus wasn't as secure as she thought.

Selene's fingers tightened on the paper. "How did you get this?"

Damien tilted his head. "Selene, I don't need to fight you. I need to win. And you? You don't need another enemy."

Selene leaned forward. "What exactly are you proposing?"

Damien's voice was calm, unwavering.

Selene's Decision – Power Respects Power

"You really are something else, Damien Sterling."

She closed the folder, eyes glinting with something between respect and calculation.

"Fine. You have my attention. But let me be clear—if you ever try to cross me, I'll bury you."

Selene Blackwood wasn't an enemy anymore.

Final Scene – The Rise Continues

As Damien left the Blacklotus Tower, he checked his watch.

Everything was falling into place.

Selene Blackwood? A powerful ally.

There were still more kings to dethrone.

He wouldn't stop until he ruled everything.

The Black Queen