A minute ago, the halls of Oro & Olio Global were alive with the mindless hum of office gossip and clinking coffee cups, but now the vibe had shifted from bustling energy to dead silence. The air didn't just turn cold; it vanished. The chatter died so abruptly it felt like a collective choke. The only thing cutting through the quiet was the sharp, steady tap of heels echoing against the glass walls. It was a sound they all recognized. It was none other than the one and only ElenaVane. She walked as if she owned the building—which she actually did. Followed by her shadow, aka her secretary,Ms.chloe hastings, the heavy double doors of her office swung open, and the world outside vanished.Elena stepped into her sanctuary—a space of glass, steel, and silence. Without a word, she moved toward her desk, her movements as fluid and precise as a blade. She took her seat in the high-backed leather chair, the city skyline stretching out behind her like a kingdom waiting to be conquered. She leaned back, her fingers tented in front of her, her cold eyes scanning the folders Chloe had already placed on the desk.
The silence was broken when Chloe spoke: "Ms. Vane, you have a meeting with Aurelius Global at 03:00 PM; then, you have to attend a charity event, and tonight, the gala.
Elena remarked, "Reschedule the meeting to 01:00 PM. Send Director Thomas to the charity event. As for the gala—"
She was about to say more, but Chloe interrupted. "Ma'am, all the directors and higher officials want you to attend. It's for the company's reputation. All the elite politicians and powerful businessmen will be there. Please, Ma'am, for the sake of the company, you should go. Besides, today is the day the best culinary company results will be announced and awards will be given.
Elena responded in her steady voice, "Fine. Look after the arrangements."
After bowing and ensuring everything was cleared, Chloe headed out. "I'm leaving now, Ma'am. Call me if you need anything," she said with a final bow. Elena smirked before returning to her work; she already knew what the results would be.
~Time skipped to the gala ~
Elena entered the gala wearing a maroon dress, light makeup, and her hair in a sleek updo. She wore the famous "Snake Necklace" and carried a bag that cost a million. As she entered the room, a middle-aged man approached her. He took her hand and kissed it.
"Exquisite," he rasped, his voice like gravel. "But tell me, Elena... a diamond this sharp shouldn't be left out in the open. Women like you should stay under the protection of a man who knows how to handle fire.
Elena slowly pulled her hand back and let out a short, cold laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "Protection? Sir, I think you're confused. I don't need a man to protect me; I need the world to be protected from me. And yes, Mr. Jonas, you are right—I am definitely a fire. But do you know who will be the first one to burn?"
She leaned in closer and whispered into his ear, sending a shiver down his spine: "I think it's the man who likes to kiss every woman's hand without permission and flirts with girls young enough to be his daughters."
Mr. Jonas was visibly embarrassed. He retreated, glaring into her soul, but Elena returned the look with a stare so fierce it seemed she might eat him alive. She then moved on to mingle with other businessmen and the city's elite. Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: "The Award Ceremony."
Now, only one name echoed through the hall - "The volois empire" This company has multiple other successful and well-established businesses, which is precisely why it is known as an empire. Its holdings range from mining and jewelry to high-end malls, restaurants, and one of the top educational centers in the country. Whispers even suggest the company's background is intertwined with a mafia empire.
The company had won nine awards straight, but when it came time for the final one, the audience was left breathless. It was beyond their imagination that another company would upend the game. For the culinary award, Ora & Olio Global stole the prize, leaving everyone's mouth agape.
But this was only the beginning. As the moon disappeared behind the clouds and the sun's first rays touched the earth, a disaster was looming. At exactly 8:00 AM, a black Mercedes glided to a halt at the gates of the Volois Empire, followed by a fleet of other cars. The gates swung open as the car door opened, a bodyguard appeared like a ghost, unfurling a silk-black umbrella over Alex's head with military timing. Alex stepped out, his tailored suit pristine, wearing a Rolex worth more than the lives of the people standing before him. His hair was perfect—not a single strand out of place.
He walked into the building, followed by his guards and his P.A. Upon entering, he threw himself onto the couch, sitting there like a king. He looked at his secretary and asked a single question—one enough to make the poor man tremble: 'How? How could this happen?'
'S-Sir, actually... um... she... Sir, she...' the secretary stuttered.
Alex stood up and moved toward him, towering over the trembling man. 'What? Do you still have an excuse? What were you all doing?' he roared, making the man forget to breathe. "I am giving you one last chance. Find every piece of information on that girl. If you miss even a single detail then you will see a side of me that you never even want to see in your dreams." The secretary nodded frantically and hurried away as fast as he could to save his life.
"Who are you, Sofia Williams?" Alex murmured to the empty room. "I hope we meet soon. Let me see how a bird like you got wings."