Bidding for Revenge The memory of that cold London evening five years ago burned in Elenas mind like an old photograph, crisp and clear.
She had arrived at the private auction with nothing but a dress she could barely afford and a stack of business cards with her maiden name printed on them.
Her savings were dwindling, her future uncertain.
She was a woman desperate to prove she wasnt the broken, discarded wife Alexander had left behind.
The auction room was buzzing with power and wealth.
The air was thick with the scent of aged bourbon, expensive perfumes, and ambition.
Elena had her eye on a fledgling tech start-up specializing in artificial intelligence.
She had spent weeks researching, running numbers, and preparing a bid.
This was her chance to build something entirely her own.
Fifty thousand, she said, raising her paddle, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.
Seventy-five thousand, a deep, confident voice called from the back of the room.
Elena turned to see who had countered her bid.
Rafael Castellanos.
Even if she hadnt recognized the name, his presence was undeniable.
Tall, dark, and impossibly self-assured, he exuded a magnetism that made the entire room pause.
Known for dismantling empires and swallowing them whole, Rafael was a man no one dared to cross.
Eighty thousand, Elena countered, her gaze fixed forward, refusing to look at him.
Ninety-five, Rafael said smoothly, not even glancing up from the drink in his hand.
The room fell silent.
Everyone was watching now, their eyes darting between the unknown woman in the black dress and the infamous magnate who had built his fortune by outsmarting people twice his age.
One hundred thousand, Elena said, her voice firmer this time.
Finally, Rafael looked at her.
His dark eyes sparkled with amusement, as though he found her challenge entertaining.
One hundred and fifty, he said, with the faintest smirk.
Elenas heart sank.
She didnt have the funds to go higher.
The auctioneer called out, Sold! As the room clapped politely, Elena felt the sting of failure.
She turned to leave, but Rafael approached her, his expression intrigued.
You fight well, he said, his voice rich and smooth.
But you need sharper weapons.
Elena lifted her chin.
I dont need help.
He smiled at that, a sharp, calculating smile.
Maybe not.
But you do need allies.
Have dinner with me.
She hesitated, but something in his tone made her pause.
It wasnt pityhe saw something in her that she didnt fully see in herself yet.
Over the next few years, Rafael taught Elena everything Alexander hadnt.
You cant just survive in this world, Rafael told her one night in his Parisian penthouse.
You need to dominate it.
Make them fear you before they even think of underestimating you.
He showed her how to negotiate ruthlessly, how to predict her rivals moves, and how to turn the slightest advantage into a crushing victory.
He introduced her to a network of powerful figures, many of whom were eager to work with the sharp and ambitious woman Rafael spoke so highly of.
Their partnership wasnt without tension.
Rafael could be possessive, and there were moments when Elena wondered if his interest in her was entirely professional.
Why do you care so much about helping me? she had asked him once.
He smiled, leaning closer.
Because I like watching people burn the ones who wronged them.
And you, my dear, are going to burn him to the ground.
Back in the present, Rafaels arrival in Chicago sent shockwaves through the citys elite.
His reputation preceded himhe wasnt a man who simply visited.
He had come for a reason, and everyone knew it.
At the Hartley mansion, Vivienne paced the living room, the tension in her movements obvious.
Why is he here? she demanded, turning to Alexander.
Why would Rafael Castellanos come to Chicago now? Its her, isnt it? Elena brought him.
Alexander didnt answer immediately.
His jaw clenched as he stared out the window, his mind racing.
Rafael never does anything without a plan.
If Elenas working with him, it means shes planning something big.
Vivienne scoffed, crossing her arms.
Oh, Im sure its big.
Shes probably trying to destroy everything weve built.
Alexander turned to her, his eyes cold.
What weve built? he said sharply.
Everything here is because of me, Vivienne.
Dont forget that.
The jab made her flinch, but before she could respond, they were interrupted by an urgent knock at the door.
It was Elena.
Viviennes face twisted with anger.
What are you doing here? she snapped.
Elena, dressed in a tailored white coat and heels that clicked sharply against the floor, stepped inside, her presence commanding.
She ignored Vivienne and looked straight at Alexander.
I just came to remind you, Alexander, she said, her voice calm but laced with steel, that this isnt about you anymore.
Its about whats mine.
Vivienne pushed forward.
You think you can just waltz in here and take him? Is that your plan? Elena finally turned to her, her expression icy.
Take him? She let out a soft, humorless laugh.

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Vivienne, Im not trying to take him from you.
Im taking everything from himand youre just collateral damage.
Hours later, a photo hit the internet: Alexander and Vivienne five years ago, the night of the affair that ended his marriage.
The caption read, Hartley Empire Built on Lies? Next Chapter