Elena had never seen a building like it.
The Volkov Tower pierced the sky, glass walls reflecting the morning sun like a blade.
"This is where you work?" she asked quietly as the car stopped.
Adrian didn't look at her. "This is where I run things."
That sounded bigger.
Inside, everything moved fast.
People in sharp suits. Phones ringing. Screens flashing numbers. Assistants walking with purpose.
But the moment Adrian stepped in
Everything slowed.
Eyes turned.
Voices lowered.
Respect.
Fear.
Power.
Elena felt it instantly.
This wasn't just a company.
It was an empire.
And he was the ruler.
"This way, Mrs. Volkov," a woman said politely, leading her through the lobby.
The word Mrs. made Elena's chest tighten.
Fake marriage.
Real title.
As they entered the executive floor, whispers followed.
"Is that her?"
"She's younger than I expected…"
"So the rumors were true…"
Elena kept her head high, even though her hands were sweating
Inside the boardroom, several executives stood when Adrian entered.
"Sir."
He nodded once and sat at the head of the table.
Elena sat beside him, unsure what to do.
The meeting started immediately.
Business terms flew across the table. Numbers. Deals. Decisions.
Adrian didn't raise his voice.
He didn't need to.
When he spoke, people listened.
When he paused, they waited.
Elena watched him closely.
This version of Adrian was different.
Sharper. Colder. Untouchable.
And somehow… more dangerous.
Halfway through the meeting, a man across the table looked at Elena.
"So this is your new wife," he said slowly. "We heard about the… sudden marriage."
The room went quiet.
Adrian's eyes lifted.
"Yes," he said.
The man smiled thinly. "Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself."
Elena felt the air leave her lungs.
Adrian didn't react.
But his hand tightened slightly on the table.
After the meeting, as they walked down the hallway, Elena finally spoke.
"Why did he say that?"
Adrian stopped walking.
People nearby immediately pretended not to listen.
"That world," he said, voice low, "is not for you to worry about."
"That's not an answer," she whispered.
He looked at her.
Cold.
Controlled.
Final.
"It's the only one you're getting."
As the elevator doors closed, Elena caught her reflection beside him.
She didn't look like someone married to a billionaire.
She looked like someone standing at the edge of a secret.
And the deeper she stepped into Adrian Volkov's empire.