chapter 8 :what a game

Elena stared at the empty document on her laptop, the cursor blinking impatiently. The morning sunlight poured through her apartment window, illuminating the half empty coffee cup on the table. The black card Felix had handed her lay just within reach, like a silent reminder of the choice she still hadn't made.

She'd spent hours combing through articles, piecing together fragments of Felix Donovan's life. Every headline celebrated his success a billionaire CEO with a razor sharp mind and an untouchable reputation. But the deeper she dug, the more she realized just how carefully curated that image was.

There were whispers. Rumors that spoke of backroom deals and ruthless acquisitions. Felix never addressed them, never showed a crack in his polished exterior. That, in itself, intrigued her.

But was she really prepared to walk into his world?

Her phone buzzed, cutting through the silence. It was Lily.

"Hey," Elena answered, forcing a brightness into her voice she didn't feel.

"You sound like someone who's been up all night thinking about a certain tall, brooding CEO," Lily teased.

"Funny," Elena replied dryly. "But no. I was thinking about the story the actual story."

Lily snorted. "Sure you were."

Elena rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "He offered to fund CityLine. Expand our reach. He says I'll have complete freedom to write whatever I want."

"And you believe that?"

"Of course not," Elena said. "But I can't ignore the opportunity. Something about this feels... off. Felix Donovan doesn't do charity. There's always an angle."

Lily was quiet for a moment. "Then find it. Just be careful. Guys like him are dangerous not just the obvious kind, but the kind that gets under your skin without you noticing."

"I can handle it," Elena replied, though the weight in her chest told her she wasn't entirely sure.

"Famous last words," Lily quipped. "But seriously, if you need backup, I'm your girl."

"Thanks, Lil. I'll keep you posted."

After they hung up, Elena found herself once again staring at the card. One call. That's all it would take. And like it or not, she needed to know what Felix Donovan was really after.

---

The Donovan Enterprises headquarters was everything Elena expected sleek, modern, and intimidating. Towering glass panels reflected the bustling city below, while suited executives hurried past, each step purposeful. The receptionist had barely glanced at Elena before directing her to the 40th floor.

The elevator ride was silent, save for the soft hum of the machinery. As the doors slid open, she stepped into a world of understated luxury. The floor was lined with polished marble, and large windows offered a sweeping view of the city.

"Ms. Monroe."

Felix's voice was like a magnet. He stood at the far end of the room, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that hugged his broad frame. Sunlight streamed behind him, casting a soft glow around his figure. His presence demanded attention — and he knew it.

"You didn't keep me waiting," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"I was curious," Elena replied evenly. "But I'm not here to be impressed."

Felix's lips twitched, but he said nothing. Instead, he gestured toward a sleek black leather chair. "Then let's get to it."

Elena sat, crossing her legs, determined not to let him see how much he unsettled her. Felix took his place behind the massive desk, his fingers steepled as he studied her.

"I assume you've done your research," he began.

"I have," Elena said. "You're a man who built an empire from the ground up. Ruthless when necessary. Selective with your alliances."

"And yet, you're still here," Felix mused. "Which means you think there's more to the story."

"Everyone has something to hide," Elena countered. "Even you."

A faint smile touched his lips. "Perhaps. But the question is how far are you willing to go to uncover it?"

Elena met his gaze, refusing to look away. "Far enough."

Felix leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "Good. Then let me offer you something no one else will."

He slid a folder across the desk. Elena hesitated before picking it up, the thick paper cool beneath her fingertips. Inside were documents — contracts, press statements, financial reports. Everything meticulously organized.

"Full access," Felix said, his voice low. "My operations. My decisions. No red tape. No interference."

"And in return?"

Felix's eyes darkened. "You tell the truth. Whatever that may be."

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. It was a dangerous game he was playing inviting her into his world without a safety net. But Elena couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted her to find something. That this, somehow, was part of his plan.

"Why me?" she asked finally.

"Because you're not afraid to ask the questions others won't," Felix replied. "And because I think you already know that nothing about me is what it seems."

Elena's heart pounded. She should walk away. She should throw the folder back on the desk and tell Felix Donovan that she wouldn't be manipulated.

But she wouldn't.

Instead, she closed the folder and stood, her eyes locked with his. "I'll find the truth, Felix. But you might not like what I uncover."

A slow smile spread across his face. "I'm counting on it."

As Elena stepped back into the bustling city streets, the weight of what she'd just agreed to settled over her. She could feel it — the spark of something inevitable.