THE SNAKE BEHIND THE CURTAIN
The night felt heavier than usual.
Elara sat curled on the couch, staring at the serpent symbol on Lucien's phone screen.
"She really planned this," she whispered.
"Even from prison…"
Lucien's jaw tightened.
"She never works alone."
---
Serena's Ally Revealed
Across the city, in a dim private club, a man sat in the shadows.
Julian Cross.
Former business partner of Lucien.
Bitter.
Bankrupt.
Vengeful.
His phone buzzed.
Serena: "Did you scare them enough?"
Julian smirked.
Julian: "Not dead. But shaken."
Serena: "Good. Next time, don't miss."
He exhaled slowly.
"Lucien Blackwood," he muttered.
"You destroyed my empire. Now I destroy your family."
---
Ethan's Hidden Truth
Meanwhile, Lucien met Ethan secretly.
"Julian Cross," Lucien said.
"You used to work together."
Ethan's eyes widened.
"He's dangerous," Ethan admitted.
"He lost everything after our partnership collapsed."
Lucien's gaze sharpened.
"Because of you."
Ethan sighed.
"He blamed me… but I didn't think he'd turn criminal."
---
A Terrifying Message
Elara's phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
She hesitated… then opened it.
Video message.
It showed their apartment building… filmed from across the street.
A text followed:
"Next time, I won't miss."
Her hands trembled.
"Lucien…"
He grabbed the phone, rage flooding his eyes.
---
The Traitor
Security pulled Lucien aside.
"We traced the leak," one guard said.
"It came from inside."
Lucien froze.
"Who?"
The guard hesitated.
"Your driver."
Lucien's blood ran cold.
---
Confrontation
Lucien found the driver trying to flee.
"Why?" he demanded.
The man fell to his knees.
"They paid me! I have debts! Please—"
Lucien turned away.
"Take him."
The guards dragged him off.
---
Serena's Victory Smile
In prison, Serena laughed softly.
"Checkmate," she whispered.
"You're cornered now."
---
Elara's Strength
Elara placed a hand on her stomach.
"They want to break us," she said.
"But they won't."
Lucien pulled her into his arms.
"I'll burn the world before I let them touch you."
She met his eyes.
"Just don't lose yourself."
He nodded slowly.
"For you… I won't."