The Return of the Ghost The next morning, the citys social columns were abuzz with the same headline: The Return of Elena Beaumont.
Photos of her stunning entrance at the Ritz gala were splashed across glossy pages and trending online.
Every article speculated about her sudden reappearance after five years of silence and the source of her newfound power and wealth.
Elena Beaumont, one article read, once known as the quiet, dutiful wife of Alexander Hartley, has returned to Chicagos elite like a storm.
But the question remainswhat has she been doing all these years, and how did she rise to such prominence? The whispers werent just confined to the press.
The citys elite couldnt stop talking about her.
I heard she married a prince in Europe, one socialite claimed over lunch at the citys most exclusive club.
No, no, another interrupted.
She built an empire on her own.
Apparently, shes a financial genius.
The truth was, no one knew.
And that mystery made her all the more captivating.
Meanwhile, Viviennes confidence, which had once been unshakable, began to crack.
She sat in the sunlit breakfast room of the Hartley mansion, scrolling through endless photos of Elena on her phone.
Shes everywhere, Vivienne muttered, tossing her phone onto the marble countertop with a loud clatter.
Across from her, Alexander sipped his coffee, his expression unreadable.
Let her enjoy her fifteen minutes of fame, he said dismissively.
But his calm exterior was a lie.
Inside, he was seething.
Elenas return wasnt just a social spectacleit was a threat.
She hadnt come back to mingle or bask in attention.
She had come back for something.
Vivienne narrowed her eyes.
Do you think she planned this? Showing up at the gala like that, knowing it would stir everyone up? Alexander set down his cup with a little too much force.
Elena doesnt do anything without a reason.
His voice was low, almost to himself.
Vivienne leaned forward, her insecurities bubbling over.
Are you saying shes after you? After us? Alexander didnt respond, but the silence said enough.
Viviennes jaw tightened.
Shes not going to win, Alexander.
Whatever shes trying to do, well stop her.
That evening, Elena took her next step.
She arrived at a private dinner hosted by a key Hartley Enterprises board member, Charles Whitmore, a man Alexander had long relied on for support.
The invitation had been Elenas doingshe knew Charles couldnt resist curiosity.
Mrs.
Beaumont, Charles greeted her warmly, rising from his seat as she entered the private dining room.
Or should I say… Ms.
Beaumont now? Elena smiled, her presence magnetic.
Elena is fine, she replied, extending her hand.
Charles gestured for her to sit.
To what do I owe this honor? Its not every day someone as elusive as you asks for a meeting.
Elenas eyes sparkled with charm, but there was steel beneath her words.
Im here because I believe you and I share a common goal: ensuring Hartley Enterprises reaches its full potential.
Charles arched an eyebrow.
And how do you propose we do that? Elena leaned forward slightly.
By putting control of the company in the hands of someone who truly understands its value.
Charles chuckled.
And that someone would be you? Who better? she replied smoothly.
I helped build the foundation of Hartley Enterprises.
I know its strengthsand its vulnerabilitiesbetter than anyone.
Charles regarded her thoughtfully.
Alexander wont take kindly to this.
You know that, dont you? Elenas smile didnt falter.
Alexander took what he wanted without considering the consequences.
Im simply doing the same.
Her confidence was contagious, and by the end of the evening, Charles was nodding along to her vision.
One board member down, several more to go.
News of Elenas plan spread quickly among Hartley Enterprises inner circle.
At a meeting the following week, Alexander slammed a report onto the conference table, his anger barely restrained.
Who the hell leaked this? he demanded, glaring at the executives seated around him.
The report detailed Elenas intention to acquire a controlling stake in the company by buying shares from key investorsinvestors Alexander had always considered loyal.
This is impossible, one executive muttered.
Weve never had anyone pull off a move like this.
Shes not just anyone, Alexander snapped.
For the first time in years, he felt the cracks in his empire.
Elena wasnt playing by the rules.
She was rewriting them.
That evening, Alexanders lawyer, James Porter, arrived at the mansion with an envelope marked Confidential.
Youll want to see this, James said grimly, handing it over.
Alexander opened the envelope and scanned the documents inside.
His jaw tightened as he read the details.
Who is this investor? he asked, his voice sharp.
James hesitated.
Rafael Castellanos.
The name hit Alexander like a punch to the gut.
Rafael Castellanos was a shadowy figure with a reputation for dismantling empires and a personal vendetta against Alexander.
Years ago, a business deal between them had gone sour, and Castellanos had vowed revenge.
Alexander looked up, his eyes cold.
Youre telling me Elena is working with him? James nodded.
It appears so.

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Castellanos has been funding her acquisitions, possibly even her reappearance in society.
If this is true, shes not just coming for Hartley Enterprisesshes coming for everything.
Alexanders grip on the file tightened, his mind racing.
Next Chapter