Elena had always been the obedient daughter, the perfect fiancée, the woman who swallowed her pride for love.
But that woman was dead.
Tonight, she had burned the bridge to Dominic Sinclair, leaving him humiliated in front of high society. And she wasn't done yet.
As she stepped out of the Sinclair estate, a cold wind brushed against her skin. The night was young, and she had one more thing to take care of.
She pulled out her phone and dialed a number she had memorized from her past life.
A low, raspy voice answered. "Miss Carter?"
A slow smile curled her lips. "I need a meeting with Alexander Reid."
The Aftermath – Chaos in the Sinclair Estate
Back inside, Dominic was still reeling.
"She… rejected me?" he muttered, unable to believe it.
Lily, standing beside him, clenched her fists. "She's just acting out, Dominic. She'll come crawling back."
But Dominic wasn't convinced.
Elena had never looked at him the way she had tonight—like he was nothing.
Miranda Carter stormed toward them, her face twisted with fury. "Lily, do something! That girl is ruining everything!"
Lily forced a sweet smile. "Don't worry, Mother. Elena thinks she's won, but she has no idea what's coming."
Dominic's jaw tightened. He had always believed Lily was the better choice obedient, sweet, loyal.
But tonight, for the first time, he felt something unexpected.
Regret.
Elena Strikes First
The next morning, Elena sat in her penthouse apartment, sipping coffee as she watched the city skyline.
Five years ago, she had handed over her wealth to Dominic without a second thought. Not this time.
She had already contacted her lawyer and her financial advisor. Every asset she owned had been quietly moved out of reach of the Sinclair family.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Elena."
She turned, unsurprised to see Dominic standing there, looking like he hadn't slept.
"What do you want?" she asked, leaning against the doorway.
He frowned. "We need to talk."
She arched a brow. "About what? The engagement that never happened?"
His jaw ticked. "Why are you doing this?"
She let out a soft laugh. "Because I don't need you anymore, Dominic. Did you think I'd stay by your side like a fool forever?"
His hands clenched. "Elena, let's be reasonable—"
She cut him off with a sharp glare. "You never loved me. You never respected me. And yet, you thought I'd spend my life begging for you?"
He stayed silent, his gaze dark.
She took a step forward. "Let me make this clear: You. Are. Nothing. To. Me."
Dominic flinched.
It was the first time she had ever seen him at a loss for words.
Without another glance, she shut the door in his face.
The Power Play Begins
Later that evening, Elena arrived at an exclusive five-star hotel.
A private elevator took her to the top floor, where a single man waited.
Alexander Reid.
He sat at the head of the room, his presence commanding. Dark-haired, tall, and impossibly cold, he barely spared her a glance as she entered.
"You asked for a meeting," he said, his voice low and unreadable.
Elena met his gaze, unflinching. "I have a proposal for you."
His lips curled slightly. "A woman like you… wants to make a deal with me?"
Her heart pounded, but she didn't falter. "I need power. And I'm willing to trade for it."
Alexander finally looked at her, his sharp eyes filled with intrigue. "Oh? And what exactly are you offering?"
Elena took a deep breath, then spoke the words that would change her fate forever.
"A contract marriage."
The room was silent.
Alexander Reid leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze locked onto Elena. His expression was unreadable, but the air around him felt heavy like a storm waiting to break.
"A contract marriage?" he repeated, his voice cool and controlled. "And what makes you think I'd agree to such an arrangement, Miss Carter?"
Elena met his gaze, refusing to back down. "Because I can offer you something no one else can."
His lips twitched slightly, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "And what would that be?"
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. This was the most dangerous game she had ever played.
"You're a man who values power, Mr. Reid," she said. "Marrying me will give you an advantage over your rivals."
Alexander's fingers tapped idly against the armrest of his chair. "Go on."
She leaned forward slightly. "The Sinclair family has been expanding aggressively, trying to secure partnerships with major corporations including yours. My so-called ex-fiancé, Dominic Sinclair, has been desperate to strike a deal with you."
Alexander's expression remained unreadable.
"But if I marry you," Elena continued, "it sends a message. Not just to Dominic, but to everyone else who underestimates me. It tells them that I'm no longer the helpless woman they can manipulate."
Silence stretched between them.
Elena's heart pounded, but she kept her posture calm. If she showed even a flicker of weakness, Alexander would see through her.
Then, finally, he spoke.
"You want protection," he said, his voice smooth. "Power. A shield against your enemies."
Elena nodded. "And in return, I can be a valuable ally to you. I know the inner workings of the Sinclair family, their weaknesses, their ambitions. With me by your side, you'll always be one step ahead."
Alexander chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "You make it sound as if I need you, Miss Carter."
She smirked. "I think you find the idea entertaining. Otherwise, you would have thrown me out already."
His gaze darkened, something unreadable flickering in his expression. Then, after a long pause, he stood.
Elena tensed as he stepped closer, stopping just inches from her. He was taller than she had expected, his presence overwhelming.
He reached out, trailing a single finger along the edge of her jaw, as if testing her. She didn't flinch.
"Tell me, Miss Carter," he murmured. "Are you truly prepared for what it means to be my wife?"
Her pulse quickened, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "Yes."
Alexander smirked. Then, just as quickly as he had closed the distance, he turned away.
"I'll think about it."
Elena blinked. What?
She had expected an immediate answer. Either a rejection or an agreement. But this?
"Is that all you're going to say?" she asked.
He glanced over his shoulder, eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're asking for something big, Miss Carter. I don't make deals lightly. If you're serious, prove it."
She frowned. "How?"
His smirk deepened. "That's for you to figure out."
Before she could respond, Alexander walked toward the door and pulled it open.
"This meeting is over."
Elena clenched her fists.
Damn it. She had underestimated him.
But she wasn't giving up. If Alexander Reid wanted proof, he would get it.
Because one way or another… he would be hers.
The Next Move – A Bold Decision
Elena stepped out of the hotel, her mind racing.
Alexander was testing her. That much was clear. He wasn't the type to be easily convinced—he needed to see that she was more than just a desperate woman seeking protection.
Fine.
She would show him exactly what she was capable of.
Elena pulled out her phone and made a call.
"Miss Carter?" her lawyer answered.
"I want you to release the financial reports I sent you," she said. "Make sure the media gets a copy."
There was a pause. "You're sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
She hung up, a slow smirk curling her lips.
By tomorrow morning, Dominic Sinclair's dirty business dealings would be all over the news.
And when Alexander Reid saw how she handled her enemies…
He wouldn't just consider her proposal.
He would want her as his wife.
Hook: Will Alexander accept? And if he does, at what cost?