Risen From Ruin: A Love Denied, A Legacy Reclaimed
Elias Mercer
Chapter 31
Unfinished Business
The soft hum of the city filled the air as Elena stepped out of her car. The towering glass building of Stone Enterprises loomed over her, its sleek surface reflecting the scattered city lights. Tonight, the office was supposed to be empty, but something told her otherwise.
She pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders, the autumn breeze sharp against her skin. The city never truly slept, but at this hour, the streets had a different energy—quiet, almost eerie, like something was about to shift.
Elena’s heels clicked against the marble floor as she pushed through the glass doors of the lobby. The security guard at the front desk gave her a nod, barely looking up from his monitor.
Her phone buzzed just as she reached the elevator.
It was Lena.
She answered immediately. “Tell me he’s not still here.”
Lena’s voice was tight with concern. “He’s in your office.”
Elena exhaled sharply. “I thought I made myself clear.”
“You did. He doesn’t care.”
Typical.
Elena ended the call and stepped into the elevator, her jaw tightening as she pressed the button for the top floor.
Ryan Lancaster.
She hadn’t seen him in months—not since she had shut the door on his lies, his manipulations, and his reckless ambition. He had always been a force, the kind that could either build an empire or burn it to the ground.
And now, he was back.
As the elevator doors slid open, she stepped into the dimly lit hallway leading to her office. The space was quiet, except for the soft hum of the city outside.
And there he was.
Ryan stood in front of her desk, hands in his pockets, staring out the massive glass window that overlooked the skyline. His reflection in the glass was sharp, his posture composed but tense.
He turned as she walked in, his expression unreadable.
“Elena.”
Her name on his lips made something tighten in her chest, but she ignored it.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, closing the door behind her.
Ryan took a slow step forward, his gaze locked onto hers. “I needed to see you.”
She scoffed. “You lost that right a long time ago.”
He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I made a mistake.”
Elena crossed her arms. “Which one? You made plenty.”
Ryan let out a short laugh, but there was no amusement in it. “You don’t pull your punches, do you?”
“I don’t have time for games,” she said coolly. “Say what you need to say and leave.”
Ryan studied her for a long moment. “I want back in.”
A sharp, bitter laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it. “Back in?”
“The company. Your life.”
Elena’s heart pounded, but she didn’t let it show. “You walked away, Ryan. You made your choices.”
“I know.” His voice was quiet, but firm. “And I regret them.”
She didn’t flinch. “Regret won’t fix the damage you caused.”
His jaw clenched. “I never stopped thinking about you.”
Her breath caught for just a second, but she recovered quickly. “That’s not my problem.”
Ryan took another step forward. “I’m not asking for forgiveness, Elena. I’m asking for a chance to prove that I’ve changed.”
She shook her head, disbelief washing over her. “You expect me to just… trust you again?”
“No,” he admitted. “But I’m willing to earn it.”
Elena turned away, walking behind her desk. The city lights reflected in the glass walls, casting a soft glow around the office. She gripped the edge of the desk, grounding herself.
Trust. That word used to mean something when it came to Ryan. But now, it was just a reminder of everything he had shattered.
She finally looked up, meeting his gaze. “You want a second chance? Then tell me—why should I believe a single word you’re saying?”
Ryan exhaled, his fingers twitching slightly, as if resisting the urge to reach for her. “Because I’m done pretending I can live without you.”
Her heart twisted, but she forced herself to stay steady.
“You already did,” she said quietly. “And you survived just fine.”
He looked away for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, then back at her with an intensity that made her breath hitch.
“I survived,” he said, his voice low. “But I wasn’t living.”
Elena let his words hang in the air for a moment, searching for deception in his face.
She found none.
But that didn’t mean she was ready to believe him.
“You’re too late,” she said finally. “I’ve moved on.”
Ryan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Then let me prove that I belong here—if not in your life, then in the company.”
Elena narrowed her eyes. “And why would I do that?”
“Because whether you like it or not, I know this business. I know how to win,” Ryan said. “And if you’re serious about expanding Stone Enterprises, you’ll need someone who understands the stakes.”
She tilted her head. “And what’s in it for you?”
His expression softened. “A chance to do things right this time.”
Silence stretched between them.
She hated that part of her wanted to believe him.
Elena tapped her fingers against the desk, deep in thought. Ryan was dangerous—not because he was a liar, but because he was telling the truth.
Letting him back in was a risk. But keeping him out? That might be an even bigger one.
After a long pause, she met his gaze.
“You want back in?” she said slowly. “Fine. But understand this—I’m in control now. Not you.”
Ryan’s lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes held something else—something deeper.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he murmured.
Elena exhaled, steadying herself.
This wasn’t over.
It was just beginning.
