The news spread through Volkov Tower before she even arrived.
Not through announcements.
Not through emails.
But through quiet conversations in hallways, quick messages between assistants, and the subtle tension that seemed to ripple through the executive floors.
Seraphina Orlov was coming.
Lucas leaned against Adrian's desk, scrolling through something on his tablet.
"You know," he said casually, "for someone who hasn't been around the building in years, she still manages to make the entire building nervous."
Adrian didn't look up from the documents in front of him.
"People respect her family."
Lucas smirked.
"Respect. Sure. That's the word we'll use."
He tapped the screen and turned the tablet toward Adrian.
On it was a short news headline.
Orlov Financial Group Expands European Holdings
Beneath it was a photograph.
Seraphina stood beside several international investors at a formal event, her posture elegant and composed, silver-blonde hair falling neatly over one shoulder.
Even in a still image, she looked perfectly in control.
Lucas studied Adrian's face.
"You two were always a strange pair."
Adrian signed the final document and set his pen down.
"We were children."
"Children whose families signed a marriage contract."
Adrian didn't respond.
Before Lucas could say anything else, a quiet knock sounded at the office door.
One of the internal security staff stepped inside.
"Mr. Volkov."
"Yes?"
"She has arrived."
Lucas straightened slightly.
"Well," he muttered, "showtime."
Downstairs, the lobby of Volkov Tower looked more like the entrance to a royal palace than a corporate building.
Marble floors gleamed under the high ceiling lights.
Executives moved through the space in quiet efficiency.
But the moment the glass doors opened—
The room shifted.
Seraphina Orlov stepped inside.
She wore a tailored black coat over a soft ivory dress, the style simple but undeniably expensive. Her movements were calm and graceful, her expression composed.
The security staff greeted her immediately.
"Miss Orlov."
She acknowledged them with a small nod.
Unlike the curious students at St. Aurelius years ago, the people here didn't whisper openly.
But they watched.
Everyone in the building knew what her presence meant.
The alliance between two powerful families.
The future of the Volkov empire.
Seraphina walked toward the elevators without hesitation.
As the doors closed behind her, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirrored walls.
For a moment, her expression changed slightly.
Not softer.
Just… thoughtful.
Because returning here meant one thing.
Sooner or later—
She would see him again.
The elevator doors opened on the executive floor.
Lucas was waiting outside Adrian's office.
He gave a small, polite smile.
"Seraphina."
"Lucas."
Her voice carried the same calm elegance it always had.
"It's been a long time."
"Too long," he replied.
She studied him briefly.
"You still work for Adrian."
"I try to keep him from destroying the company."
Seraphina allowed a faint smile.
"Someone has to."
Lucas stepped aside and gestured toward the office door.
"He's inside."
Seraphina paused for only a moment before entering.
Adrian stood near the large window overlooking the city skyline.
He didn't turn immediately when the door closed behind her.
For several seconds, the room remained quiet.
Then Seraphina spoke.
"Still avoiding dramatic reunions, I see."
Adrian finally turned.
For a brief moment, neither of them said anything.
Years had passed since they last stood in the same room alone like this.
But neither of them looked surprised.
"Seraphina," he said calmly.
"Adrian."
She walked further into the office.
"You've done well."
"Business is stable."
She glanced around the room.
"Stable is an understatement."
Her eyes returned to him.
"The empire suits you."
Adrian didn't react.
"You didn't come here to compliment my work."
Seraphina tilted her head slightly.
"No."
She removed her coat and placed it carefully over a nearby chair.
"I came because our families asked me to."
Adrian already knew that.
"The contract," he said.
"Yes."
The word hung quietly between them.
Seraphina studied him carefully.
"You don't seem enthusiastic."
"Should I be?"
She gave a soft laugh.
"You never were."
For a moment, the tension between them felt almost familiar.
Then Seraphina's gaze sharpened slightly.
"There's something else."
Adrian waited.
Seraphina walked closer to the desk.
"Rumors travel quickly."
His expression remained neutral.
"What rumors?"
"That the great Adrian Volkov has suddenly become… distracted."
Her tone was light.
But her eyes were sharp.
Adrian didn't respond.
Seraphina watched him for a moment longer.
Then she said the name quietly.
"Elena."
The air in the room seemed to tighten.
Lucas, standing outside the office, muttered to himself.
"Well… that didn't take long."
Inside the office, Adrian's voice remained calm.
"You've been doing research."
Seraphina smiled faintly.
"I prefer to stay informed."
She stepped closer.
"Especially when it involves my future husband."
Adrian met her gaze.
"You warned her once."
Seraphina didn't deny it.
"Yes."
"Why?"
She considered the question carefully.
Then answered honestly.
"Because she seemed kind."
That wasn't the answer Adrian expected.
Seraphina's expression softened for just a moment.
"Girls like her don't belong in our world."
Her voice grew quieter.
"And once they step into it…"
She looked out the window toward the city.
"…they rarely leave unharmed."
Adrian didn't reply.
But something in his expression darkened slightly.
Seraphina noticed.
And for the first time since arriving—
She began to understand something important.
Elena Rivera might not belong in Adrian Volkov's world.
But somehow…
She had already entered it.