Collapsing Towers Alexander leaned back in his leather chair, the dim light of his office casting long shadows on the walls.
Across the desk sat a man Alexander never thought hed willingly meetDamon Ralston, Rafael Castellanoss oldest rival and a man who thrived on chaos.
His reputation was as dark as Rafaels, but desperation made Alexander swallow his pride.
You want dirt on Rafael and Elena? Damon asked, swirling the bourbon in his glass.
What makes you think Id help you? Alexanders jaw tightened.
Because Rafael has been moving into your territory.
You think I dont know about the shipping contracts he undercut you on last month? Damons smirk faded.
So, youve been keeping tabs on me too, huh? I keep tabs on everyone, Alexander said coldly.
But this isnt about you.

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Its about Elena.
Shes tearing apart everything Ive built, and I need leverage to stop her.
Damon chuckled, setting his glass down.
You mean Rafael is tearing it apart.
Youre just too proud to admit that Elenas outsmarting you on her own.
Are you helping me or not? Alexander snapped, leaning forward.
Damon studied him for a long moment before shrugging.
Fine.
But dont expect me to do this out of the kindness of my heart.
Ill dig into Rafael and Elena, but when I find something, it comes at a price.
Alexanders gaze hardened.
Name it.
Ill let you know when the time comes, Damon said with a sly grin.
Meanwhile, Elena was seated in a private conference room with her legal team.
She calmly reviewed the headlines plastered across the tabloids.
Vivienne Sterling Hospitalized: Scandal or Setup? The accompanying photo was of Vivienne being wheeled into an ambulance, looking frail and disheveled.
This is getting messy, her head attorney said, pushing his glasses up his nose.
The press is already speculating about your involvement.
Elena leaned back in her chair, her face unreadable.
Let them speculate.
Theres no proof linking me to Viviennes… situation.
But its bad optics, her PR manager interjected.
Youve worked hard to build your empire.
This kind of attention could unravel it.
Elena tapped her nails against the table.
Alexander is behind this, she said, her voice sharp.
Hes planting seeds of doubt.
Its the only card he has left to play.
One of her lawyers shifted uncomfortably.
If hes working with Rafaels enemies, it could get dangerous.
Elenas lips curved into a faint smile.
Let him try.
Ive been two steps ahead of Alexander since the day I left.
Hes predictable, and thats his biggest weakness.
Later that evening, Alexander found himself in a darkened bar, meeting one of Damons informants.
A man in his fifties with graying hair and a cigarette dangling from his lips slid a folder across the table.
This is what you wanted, the man said, his voice raspy.
Rafaels got ties to offshore accounts, illegal shipments, and some shady partnerships.
And guess what? Elenas signature shows up on a few of them.
Alexanders heart raced as he opened the folder.
He scanned the documents, his eyes narrowing.
This… this is enough to bring them both down.
The man shrugged.
Maybe.
But youll have to move fast.
Rafaels not the kind of guy who lets people poke around his business without consequences.
Alexander nodded, tucking the folder into his briefcase.
He wont see it coming.
As he walked out of the bar, Alexander felt a flicker of hope for the first time in weeks.
If this information was real, he could finally regain control of his lifeand destroy Elenas empire in the process.
But Elena was already anticipating his moves.
That same night, she sat in her penthouse, sipping wine as Rafael paced the room.
Alexanders getting reckless, Rafael muttered, running a hand through his dark hair.
Hes been sniffing around Damon Ralston.
Hes trying to dig up dirt.
Elena didnt look concerned.
Let him dig.
He wont find anything we didnt want him to.
Rafael stopped pacing and turned to her.
Youre playing a dangerous game, mi reina.
Ive been playing this game my entire life, she said calmly, setting her glass down.
Alexander doesnt scare me.
Rafaels eyes softened as he looked at her.
He should.
Men like him dont give up easily.
Hes desperate.
Elena stood, meeting Rafaels gaze.
Let him be desperate.
The more reckless he becomes, the easier it is to take him down.
Rafael stepped closer, his voice dropping.
Youve changed since I met you, Elena.
You used to hide your strength.
Now its the first thing people see.
Her expression didnt waver.
I learned the hard way that strength is the only thing people respect.
Rafael smiled faintly.
Thats why youre dangerous.
And why Ill always have your back.
Two days later, Alexander cornered Elena in her penthouse.
He didnt knock, bursting through the door and startling her.
Alexander, she said, her voice steady but her eyes sharp.
Breaking into my home now? How predictable.
You knew Id come, he said, his voice low and furious.
She crossed her arms, leaning casually against the table.
Of course.
Youre nothing if not consistent.
He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers.
Why are you doing this, Elena? Why Rafael? Why the company? Was this all just about revenge? Elena tilted her head, her gaze piercing.
You still dont get it, do you? This was never just about revenge.
This was about proving that you never should have underestimated me.
Stop deflecting, Alexander growled, his voice thick with emotion.
Did you ever love me, or was I just a stepping stone for you? Her eyes softened for a brief moment before hardening again.
I used to love you, she whispered, her voice low.
Before he could respond, Alexander grabbed her by the waist and kissed her, the intensity of the moment fueled by anger and longing.
For a second, Elena froze, her lips pressed against his.
Then she pulled away, her expression unreadable.
I used to love you, she repeated, stepping back.
Now, I just love watching you lose.
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