chapter 31

The First Wave

Stratus Innovations buzzed with energy like never before. The top floors of the headquarters were transformed into a strategic command center, all focused on the launch of their most ambitious project yet—Project Aegis, a revolutionary tech product designed to shake the industry to its core.

Elena stood at the head of the strategy room, Sofia Lin by her side, monitors flashing market data and public feedback in real-time. The day had finally arrived: a limited batch of Aegis products had been released for public testing. Invitations had been sent to key tech reviewers, industry experts, and select influential consumers.

"Madam," Sofia said, handing over a tablet, "first feedback reports are already coming in."

Elena's heart raced, but her expression stayed steady. This was the culmination of months of work—her gamble, her statement to the business world that Stratus was no longer a minor player.

"Let's hear it," Elena replied.

The team tapped into the live streams and early reactions. Within an hour, prominent tech influencers were broadcasting rave reviews.

"It's smoother than anything else in the market—seamless user interface, next-level speed."

"Stratus is going to upset every tech giant with this."

Sofia beamed. "Positive reception is dominating the online conversation. Hashtags about Stratus are trending in five countries."

A few minor criticisms popped up, mostly regarding minor user preferences, but Elena was prepared for it. She quickly addressed the feedback in a follow-up internal memo, instructing her R&D team to catalog every useful suggestion.

—

Later that evening, Elena returned to the Hart mansion feeling the lightest she'd felt in weeks. She wasn't greeted by silence—Sebastian was waiting in the living room, a casual expression on his face, watching the television, where a news channel featured Stratus's product launch.

She settled beside him on the couch.

"Looks like your product is making waves," Sebastian said, voice low but impressed.

Elena allowed herself a small smile. "It's just the first wave."

Sebastian turned his head toward her. "Not bad… for someone everyone called a dimwit a few months ago."

Their eyes met, the warmth between them undeniable.

"I'm just getting started," Elena whispered, confidence threading every word.

Outside, the city watched Stratus make history. Inside the Hart household, the distance between two hearts shrunk just a little more.

And tomorrow… even bigger battles awaited.

The following days unfolded in a whirlwind. Stratus Innovations was no longer the quiet underdog; it was on every news outlet, tech column, and social media trend list. The trial batch of Aegis exceeded expectations, and pre-orders from several influential corporations began flooding in.

Inside her sleek new office at Stratus, Elena reviewed the rising sales charts with a quiet smile. Sofia Lin placed the latest report on her desk.

"Madam, the trial launch triggered a thirty percent stock increase in two days. Investors are demanding a full market release within the month."

Elena skimmed through the figures, her sharp mind already calculating the next steps. "Prepare for an early launch strategy, but monitor Winstone and Foxcroft movements closely. They'll retaliate."

Sofia nodded. "Already in motion."

Elena leaned back, satisfied. The world was finally recognizing the woman they once mocked.

—

At Hart Enterprises, Sebastian watched the media coverage unfold from his office. The same woman who once irritated him was now turning industries upside down. The more he watched Elena operate, the harder it became to dismiss the growing pull in his chest.

"Sir," Mason interrupted his thoughts, "our shipping subsidiary just reported sabotage attempts from Devon's last few remaining connections."

Sebastian's jaw tightened. "Neutralize it. Permanently."

"Yes, sir."

—

By evening, back at the mansion, Sebastian and Elena found themselves in the kitchen—something unusual yet strangely comfortable. Elena was cooking, her hair tied up casually, humming softly.

Sebastian leaned against the marble counter. "Celebrating your triumph?"

She smiled without turning. "Not celebrating yet. Winning one battle doesn't mean we've won the war."

Sebastian's lips twitched. "You sound like me."

"Maybe you're rubbing off on me," she teased lightly.

The atmosphere was warmer than it had ever been. They sat down together, sharing food, updates, and subtle smiles. As the meal came to an end, Sebastian suddenly said, "You're changing this household, you know. And me."

Elena's heart skipped but she kept her expression calm. "Is that a bad thing?"

He looked directly at her, intense but not cold. "No… it's the best thing that's happened in a long time."