CHAPTER FOUR The Rival’s Game

Sebastian Cross returned to Alexander Vance’s life like a shadow from a past that had never truly disappeared.

The interruption came during a board meeting precisely the kind Alexander prided himself on controlling. Voices were low, charts glowing on the screen, when the double doors opened without permission. Heads turned. Silence fell.

The man who walked in wore confidence as naturally as his tailored grey suit. His steps were unhurried, deliberate. A faint smile curved his lips, charming enough to deceive anyone who didn’t know better.

Alexander knew better.

“Sebastian,” Alexander said, his voice cold. “This meeting is private.”

Sebastian laughed softly. “Still as welcoming as ever, Alex.”

Years ago, they had been inseparable partners with shared ambition and dangerous dreams. But trust had been broken, and betrayal had carved a permanent scar between them.

“I’m here on business,” Sebastian continued smoothly. “Cross International is interested in a strategic partnership with Vance Global.”

The room stirred with murmurs.

“We don’t partner with rivals,” Alexander replied flatly.

Sebastian’s gaze drifted past him and landed on Elena.

Something flickered in his eyes interest sharpened by calculation.

“And you must be Elena Moreau,” Sebastian said. “Your designs are impressive. Bold, but thoughtful.”

Elena straightened, surprised. “Thank you.”

Alexander stood abruptly. “Meeting adjourned.”

Later that day, Elena ran into Sebastian near the design department.

“I hope I didn’t make things awkward earlier,” Sebastian said lightly. “Alexander tends to take business… personally.”

“You know him well?” Elena asked.

Sebastian smiled, though there was something unreadable behind it. “We used to. Before power changed him.”

The words lingered with Elena long after Sebastian left.

From behind the glass walls of his office, Alexander watched them talk. He told himself it was nothing yet his chest tightened, jealousy creeping in uninvited.

That night, Alexander confronted Sebastian in the private lounge.

“Stay away from her,” Alexander said quietly.

Sebastian’s smile widened. “Interesting. I didn’t know she was off-limits.”

“She’s not part of your games.”

Sebastian leaned closer. “You were always terrible at hiding what matters to you.”

Days passed, and Sebastian embedded himself deeper into the company offering help, attending meetings, praising Elena’s work publicly. Where Alexander pulled back, Sebastian leaned in.

Doubt began to grow.

Why was Alexander distant when things felt real?

Why did Sebastian listen when Alexander stayed silent?

One evening, Elena stayed late to finish a project. As she walked down the hallway, she overheard Sebastian speaking on the phone.

“She trusts me,” he said quietly. “Yes… everything is unfolding perfectly.”

Elena froze.

Fear tightened her chest.

Before she could move, footsteps echoed. She slipped back into the shadows, heart pounding.

Sebastian ended the call and smiled to himself.

Whatever his plan was, it had already begun.

And Alexander Vance without knowing it was standing on the edge of losing the woman who was slowly changing his frozen heart.

Elena stood alone in the hallway long after Sebastian left, her thoughts tangled with fear and uncertainty. She sensed that his return was not accidental, and whatever secrets he carried would soon surface. Somewhere deep within her, a warning stirred love, once tested, could either break them completely or bind them forever.

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