The next morning, Elena arrived at the headquarters of Rivera Group dressed in a slim-fit white blouse and high-waisted black pants, her hair pinned into a sleek bun. Her aura was cold and professional—an elegant sharpness that made heads turn as she walked in.
Everyone in the office whispered as she passed.
"Isn't that Mrs. Rivera? I mean… the ex-wife?"
"She's taking over the design department. Didn't you hear? Mr. Rivera appointed her himself."
Elena ignored the stares and entered the elevator calmly. She wasn't here to impress or please anyone—she was here to take back what belonged to her.
Upstairs, Adrian sat in his office watching the security feed. His lips curled into a faint smile.
"She's changed," he murmured. "Interesting…"
⸻
Inside the design department, the atmosphere tensed as Elena entered.
"I'm Elena. Starting today, I'll be supervising the department's next key project."
Her tone was calm, but authoritative.
"If you think I'm here to babysit, you're mistaken. I'm here to win."
One of the senior designers, Claire, crossed her arms.
"Miss… Rivera, is it? This department has its own rhythm. We don't need interference."
Elena didn't flinch. "You'll find my interference very profitable. Let's see what the next two weeks bring. Shall we?"
⸻
Later that night, Elena stood by the balcony of her new apartment, overlooking the city lights. Her phone buzzed—it was a message from someone unexpected.
"Miss Elena, I heard you're back. We need to talk. It's about Adrian."
Her eyes narrowed. A name she hadn't heard in years popped up on her screen:
– Damian Black.
Her former business partner. And Adrian's greatest rival.