Chapter 36
Face to Face with the Enemy
Elena walked into her office, her mind still racing from her conversation with Michael. If he was telling the truth, then this wasn’t just about corporate sabotage—someone was orchestrating the entire game from the shadows.
And now, Ryan Lancaster was waiting for her.
He stood near the window, hands in his pockets, staring out at the skyline. The moment she stepped inside, he turned, his blue eyes sharp with something unreadable.
“Elena,” he greeted, his voice even. “I figured you’d come back with questions.”
She shut the door behind her, crossing her arms. “You broke into my system last night.”
Ryan didn’t deny it. “I tried.”
She tilted her head. “Why?”
He let out a slow breath. “Because I knew something was off.”
Elena narrowed her eyes. “What exactly did you think you’d find?”
Ryan stepped closer, his expression unreadable. “The same thing you just found out. Michael Reynolds was compromised.”
Her pulse quickened. “How did you know?”
Ryan gave a small, humorless smile. “Because whoever is behind this—they tried to blackmail me too.”
Elena’s stomach tightened. “When?”
Ryan leaned against her desk, folding his arms. “Two weeks ago. I got an anonymous message, warning me to back off from the company’s affairs. They threatened to release personal details—information that could cost me my reputation.”
She studied him. “And instead of running, you tried to hack into my system?”
“I wanted to see if there were any patterns,” he admitted. “If there was a trail to follow.”
Elena didn’t know whether to be furious or impressed.
“So you were trying to help?”
Ryan met her gaze. “Despite what you think of me, Elena, I don’t play dirty. But I do play smart.”
She wasn’t sure if she believed him entirely, but she also couldn’t ignore the facts. If both Ryan and Michael had been targeted, then whoever was behind this wasn’t just after leaks—they were trying to dismantle her company from the inside.
She exhaled, rubbing her temples. “We need to find out who’s pulling the strings.”
Ryan nodded. “And fast. Because if they’ve already gotten to Michael, and they’ve come after me—you’re next.”
A chill ran down Elena’s spine.
She had spent years building Stone Enterprises into a powerhouse. She had fought, sacrificed, and clawed her way to the top.
And now, someone was trying to tear it all apart.
Elena straightened, determination hardening in her eyes.
“Then let’s beat them at their own game.”
Ryan gave a slow, approving smirk. “Now that’s the Elena I remember.”
She didn’t have time for nostalgia. War had been declared. And if someone thought she was going down without a fight—
They were dead wrong.
