Chapter 8 A Dangerous Rival

That evening, Elena returned to her firm, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she entered the lobby. Her chest was tight with determination. She had spent the entire drive replaying the events of the night before, telling herself she wouldn't be a victim anymore. This was her company, her life, and she was going to take back control.

But as soon as she stepped through the glass doors, the tension in the air hit her like a physical blow. Employees whispered in corners, faces pale and anxious. Papers were scattered across desks, and the normally organized office looked as though it had been turned upside down.

Linda, her assistant, rushed up the moment she saw Elena. "Three more clients pulled out," she said breathlessly, wringing her hands as if trying to hold herself together. "And... we got a letter. From someone named Viktor Krolov."

Elena's heart lurched. She snatched the envelope from Linda and tore it open with trembling fingers. The message inside was short but chilling:

You are standing in my way. Walk away, or you won't survive what's coming.

Her blood ran cold. "Who is he?" she demanded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"A rival billionaire," Damian's voice answered from behind her.

Elena whirled around to see him standing in the doorway, dressed in his usual sharp suit, his expression grim and his eyes hard.

"And a very dangerous man," Damian continued as he stepped into the room. "He's the one who sent that intruder last night."

Elena's glare was icy. "How do you know that?"

"Because Viktor has been trying to destroy me for years," Damian said without hesitation, his voice like steel. "And now he's using you to get to me."

Elena's hands shook as she clutched the letter, the words blurring in her vision. "So I'm just... collateral damage to him?"

"Not to me," Damian said fiercely, closing the space between them. His gaze burned into hers, unrelenting. "Which is why you're coming with me tonight. It's the only way I can keep you safe."