A Game of Power

A Storm in the Corporate World

The next morning, the business world woke up to chaos.

Callum's assets were frozen. His deals crumbled overnight.

And Kingsley Corporation? Unshaken.

Ariana watched from her office as the news channels flooded with headlines.

"Callum Reed Faces Financial Disaster—A Kingsley Power Move?"

"The End of Callum Reed's Empire?"

She sipped her coffee, a small smile playing on her lips.

She didn't like Callum. He was a snake.

But more than that—

She was beginning to understand the kind of man Damian Kingsley truly was.

And she wasn't sure if that thrilled or terrified her.

---

The Price of Crossing a Kingsley

Ariana didn't have to wait long for Callum's reaction.

By noon, her phone rang.

She answered without hesitation. "Callum."

His voice was tense. "You think this is over?"

She leaned back in her chair. "Oh, I know it's not. But you started this."

A dark chuckle. "You don't understand, Ariana. Damian isn't the only one who knows how to play dirty."

She smirked. "Then bring it on."

And she hung up.

Because she wasn't afraid.

Not anymore.

---

A Shift in Power

Ariana didn't see Damian until late that evening.

He was in his home office, reviewing some files when she entered.

"You didn't hold back," she said, leaning against the doorframe.

Damian barely glanced up. "Did you want me to?"

Ariana tilted her head. "No. Just making an observation."

He set his pen down. "Callum will retaliate."

She crossed her arms. "Let him try."

For a moment, Damian just studied her.

Then, slowly, a smirk tugged at his lips. "You're enjoying this."

Ariana didn't deny it.

Because the truth was—she was.

---

The Conversation That Couldn't Be Avoided

Later that night, Damian sat in the living room, a glass of whiskey in hand.

Ariana found him there, staring at the city skyline.

Without a word, she sat beside him.

"You should be sleeping," he murmured.

She ignored that. "Tell me about your condition."

Damian stilled.

For a long moment, he didn't say anything.

Then, finally—

"It's a congenital heart condition," he said quietly. "I've known about it for years."

Ariana's fingers tightened slightly. "And the treatment?"

Damian exhaled. "There's a procedure. Risky. But it's the only option."

She turned to him. "When?"

He smirked slightly. "Are you worried about me, Mrs. Kingsley?"

Ariana scowled. "Damian."

His smirk faded. "Soon."

A beat of silence.

Then, softly—

"You don't have to go through it alone," Ariana said.

Damian glanced at her, something unreadable in his eyes.

Then—just for a second—

He let himself believe her.

---

To Be Continued…