The Price of Secrets The rain battered against Alexanders office window as he paced, his phone clutched in one hand and a photograph in the other.
His voice was sharp as he barked into the receiver.
Keep digging.
I dont care how much it costsfind me everything there is to know about Elena and Rafael Castellanos.
Sir, the investigator on the other end hesitated, weve already uncovered substantial links to Rafaels network.
If we push further, it could attract… unwanted attention.
Alexander slammed the photograph onto his desk, his jaw clenched.
It was one of Rafael shaking hands with a known mafia boss in Rome.
Unwanted attention? he snapped.
Whats more dangerous than losing everything Ive built? Find something I can use against her! He ended the call and threw the phone onto the desk.
His eyes fell on the photo againElena, smiling at Rafaels side at a gala in Paris.
The way he stood so close to her, his hand brushing her waist, made Alexanders stomach churn.

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Damn it, he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Vivienne wasnt faring much better.
She was seated in her living room, sipping wine that had gone warm.
Her hair was disheveled, her makeup smudged, but she didnt care.
She couldnt stop thinking about Elenas smug expression, her calm arrogance.
That woman, Vivienne hissed to herself, slamming her glass onto the coffee table, thinks she can walk in here and destroy me? She grabbed her phone and dialed Alexander.
Alexander, its me, she said the moment he picked up.
Im busy, Vivienne, he replied coldly, his tone cutting through her.
Busy? What could possibly be more important than the fact that Elena is trying to ruin us? she snapped.
Vivienne, he said with a tired sigh, how many times do I need to say this, this isnt about you.
Its about the company.
I dont have time to hold your hand right now.
I have more important things on my mind! Her grip on the phone tightened.
Are you even listening to yourself? Shes tearing everything apart, and all you care about is the company? What about us? Alexanders silence was deafening.
Answer me! Vivienne demanded.
Do you still love her? Vivienne, dont, he warned, his voice low.
Thats not a denial, she said bitterly, tears stinging her eyes.
I cant do this right now, he muttered before ending the call, leaving Vivienne staring at the screen in disbelief.
Fueled by anger and desperation, Vivienne decided to confront Elena directly.
She stormed into the Ritz-Carlton, bypassing security and heading straight to Elenas penthouse suite.
She pounded on the door until it swung open.
Vivienne, Elena said, her voice dripping with mock surprise.
What an unexpected visit.
You know exactly why Im here, Vivienne snapped, pushing past her into the room.
Elena closed the door with deliberate calm, turning to face her.
I didnt realize we were on such familiar terms that you could barge into my home uninvited.
Cut the act, Vivienne hissed, her voice shaking with rage.
I know what youve been doing with Rafael.
The mafia ties, the shady dealsI know all of it.
And if you think Im going to let you destroy Alexander without a fight, youre wrong.
Elena arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
Destroy Alexander? She stepped closer, her tone soft but lethal.
Vivienne, Im not here to destroy him.
Hes doing a fine job of that all by himself.
Dont pretend youre innocent, Vivienne shot back, her voice rising.
Youve been plotting this for years.
But its over.
Ill expose you, Elena.
Ill tell the press everything about you and Rafael.
Elenas expression darkened.
She moved closer, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
You think you can threaten me? she said, her voice low and icy.
Vivienne stepped back instinctively.
Youre not untouchable.
Elena leaned in, her gray eyes locking onto Viviennes.
Let me make something very clear to you.
If you come after me, I will make sure theres nothing left of you.
Nothing.
Vivienne swallowed, her confidence faltering.
Youre bluffing.
Elenas smirk returned, cold and calculated.
Am I? Test me, Vivienne.
See how far you get.
Later that night, Alexander showed up at Elenas penthouse.
The door opened, and there she was, as calm and composed as ever.
Alexander, she said, feigning surprise.
Twice in one day.
To what do I owe the honor? He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.
Dont play games with me, Elena.
What the hell are you doing? Rafael? The company? All of itwhats your endgame? She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
My endgame? I thought it was obvious.
Im taking back whats mine.
Dont give me that, he snapped.
Is this about revenge? Was this your plan all along? To destroy me? Elena tilted her head, her gaze steady.
No, Alexander, she said softly.
You destroyed yourself the moment you thought I was replaceable.
Her words hit him like a punch to the gut.
He stared at her, his anger mixing with something deeperregret, maybe even longing.
Elena, he began, his voice quieter now, whatever youre trying to prove Stop, she interrupted, stepping closer.
I dont owe you an explanation.
You made your choices.
Now you live with them.
That same night, a blood-curdling scream echoed through Viviennes apartment building.
When her maid entered the bedroom, she found Vivienne unconscious on the floor, blood smeared across the mirror.
Scrawled in jagged letters was a single name: Elena.
Next Chapter