PRICE OF LOVE
Lucien's words echoed across every news platform.
"I choose my wife."
The city exploded.
Headlines screamed:
BLACKWOOD CEO RUINS EMPIRE FOR WOMAN
LOVE OR MADNESS?
BOARD MEMBERS REVOLT
Lucien sat calmly in his office while his assistant panicked.
"Sir, investors are pulling out," she said.
"Your uncle just called for an emergency board meeting."
Lucien stood.
"Let them talk," he said coldly.
"I'm done living for them."
---
Elara's First Battle
At Wynn Media Group, Elara faced her first crisis.
A client canceled their contract.
"They don't trust us," her assistant whispered.
"They think we're unstable."
Elara closed her eyes.
So this is what power costs.
She straightened her back.
"Call the next client," she said firmly.
"We don't beg. We prove."
Her team stared.
Then nodded.
She smiled slightly.
---
A Surprise Return
That evening, Elara's doorbell rang.
She opened it—and froze.
A woman stood there, nervous.
"Mom?" Elara whispered.
Her adoptive mother's eyes filled with tears.
"I saw the news," she said.
"I had to see you."
Elara hugged her tightly.
"I never blamed you," she whispered.
They cried together.
---
Serena Behind Bars
Serena sat in her cell, staring at the wall.
A guard opened the door.
"You have a visitor."
She smiled darkly.
"Finally."
But when she saw who it was—her smile faded.
Evan.
"What do you want?" she snapped.
He looked calm.
"I came to say goodbye," he said.
"I testified."
Her eyes widened.
"You ruined me!"
"No," he replied quietly.
"You ruined yourself."
She screamed as he walked away.
---
Lucien and Elara
Later that night, Lucien held Elara's hand on the balcony.
"Everything is falling apart," she whispered.
He squeezed her hand.
"Let it fall," he said.
"We'll build something better."
She looked at him.
For the first time…
She believed him.