Liam lingered like a shadow, his cryptic warnings only deepening her unease. Was she being naive? Manipulate

esign plans, tweaking renderings and reimagining layouts, but her focus kept slipping. Every glanc

he morning, Victoria Steele appeared at her workstati

r eyes scanning Elena with the precision

r professional mask snapping into p

terling expects nothing less. Speaking of which, h

ut she nodded, collecting

-

e was seated behind his desk this time, reviewing docume

me?" she asked, b

a moment, his expressi

pers aside, folding his hands on the desk.

rewarding," she said care

yes-doubt, or perhaps concern. "Good. I want you to know

?" she asked, leani

e approached you. I assume he gave you a dramatic versi

gave me documents, ev

guess-emails taken out of context, contracts that don't show the full pi

ed, unsure ho

ar against me for years. He resented my father and hates that I've built this company into someth

such lengths?" she a

Liam said. "And if he can't take it f

any sign of deceit, but his

ally. "But this is a lot to take in.

ut be careful who you trust. My uncle is go

weight of his words. "I

to leave, he a

ed, look

ue your talent and integrity. I broug

a lifeline, grounding her in the mid

-

he folder Liam's uncle had given her. She couldn't shake the feeli

e pulled out her laptop and began searching for anything she could

a more community-focused company, but as Liam had taken over, the narrative shifted. There were mentions of law

t had nearly gone bankrupt five years ago before being bought out by Sterling Ente

buyout coincided with Marcus's death, and there were whispe

r from her thoughts. It was a

f you want

w at 8 PM. Bellmore P

ail didn't include a name, but so

er mind racing. Whoever sent the email m

nother thought crept in. Coul

ver decision she made tomor