chapter 34

Business Across the Dinner Table

By the time Elena arrived home from Stratus Innovations, the golden hues of dusk blanketed the Hart estate. The day had been long but rewarding, and as she entered the mansion, the faint aroma of roasted herbs and garlic drifted from the dining room.

Sebastian was already seated at the dining table, casually scrolling through his tablet, his expression unusually relaxed. As Elena stepped into the room, their eyes met for a brief moment—steady, assessing, but less guarded than before.

"You're home earlier than expected," Sebastian remarked, setting his tablet aside.

"Early?" Elena arched a brow while taking her seat opposite him. "I've been in meetings from morning till now."

Sebastian's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Busy changing industries, aren't you?"

Dinner was served, and conversation flowed more easily than before. It wasn't the cold exchanges of old nor the forced politeness—they were both beginning to settle into this strange rhythm of partnership, both business and personal.

Midway through the meal, Sebastian set down his cutlery and leaned forward slightly, his voice deep and direct. "I was reviewing the market reports on your product at Stratus."

"Oh?" Elena responded lightly, swirling her wine glass. "Curious about your wife's ventures now?"

Sebastian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I don't waste time on failing businesses. But from the way your product is causing market waves… I'd say it's foolish not to be interested."

Elena's lips parted in a light laugh. "I see Mr. Hart doesn't want to miss out on a big pie after all. You never like letting profitable opportunities pass by… no wonder your company dominates this country and sits among the top ten internationally."

Sebastian didn't deny it. "It's business."

"Of course," Elena teased, tilting her head. "Then I suggest you bring your assistant, Mr. Hart, and we'll talk formally. My company doesn't hand out shares for free—even to husbands."

Sebastian's chest rumbled in quiet amusement. "I wouldn't expect it any other way."

For a brief second, their gazes held—an unspoken connection flickering between competitive spirit and something deeper, something far softer.

As dinner wrapped up, Elena stood and glanced over her shoulder, a rare playfulness in her voice. "Better prepare your offer, Mr. Hart. You'll need more than charm to get a seat at Stratus's table."

Sebastian watched her leave the dining room, a smirk tugging at his lips, eyes lingering just a second too long.

His initial annoyance toward Elena had shifted to intrigue… and now, it was growing into a quiet admiration he couldn't quite ignore.

And for the first time, Sebastian Hart looked forward to business meetings—not for profit, but for the woman seated across from him.

___________________

The week rolled in with relentless momentum. At Stratus Innovations, Elena stood in front of a massive screen in the private strategy room, reviewing the latest international orders with Sofia Lin. The company's influence was spreading beyond borders faster than anyone had expected, catching even their competitors off guard.

"Madam," Sofia said excitedly, "the European market just signed the expedited agreement. Stratus is officially entering France and Italy within the next quarter."

Elena smiled faintly. "Good. Prepare a tailored media strategy for each market."

—

Later that evening, Elena returned to the Hart mansion. The household had grown accustomed to her late arrivals for the past week, but tonight was different. As she entered the dining room, she was greeted not only by Sebastian but by Noah, casually sipping on wine.

"Well, look who's finally home," Noah teased with a grin. "CEO by day, mystery woman by night...oooh"

Sebastian glanced up, eyes briefly softening. "Dinner's just arrived come sit"

As they settled around the table, the conversation shifted to Stratus. Noah, always more relaxed, was enthusiastic. "Your company's giving even Hart Enterprises some serious competition. I never expected you to turn the dimwit gossip into this level of power play."

Sebastian, however, said nothing. His gaze lingered on Elena, sharp but… warmer. Throughout the evening, small glances exchanged between them, a silent understanding growing stronger.

—

Later, in the quiet of her study, Elena leaned back, reviewing both the financial reports and the hidden documents about Aria's death. Her empire was rising, her enemies were unaware.

Stratus was about to claim international dominance.

Her past was on the verge of being unraveled.