Chapter 2 2

Elijah gestured to a plush leather chair, and Avery sat, her eyes scanning the office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

Julian Black discreetly exited, leaving them alone.

Elijah leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "So, Miss Wells, have you reviewed the revised contract?"

Avery pulled out her highlighted copy, her confidence growing. "Yes, I have. I'd like to discuss a few clauses."

Elijah nodded, his expression interested. "Please, proceed."

Avery addressed her concerns, and Elijah listened attentively, responding with thoughtful explanations. The tension between them eased, replaced by a sense of mutual respect.

The discussion flowed smoothly, with Avery pushing for clearer terms and Elijah yielding to her requests.

Finally, they reached the contract's final page. Avery hesitated, her pen hovering over the signature line.

Elijah's eyes met hers, his gaze piercing. "Miss Wells, I assure you, this is a fair deal. We'll support your artistry, and you'll have creative freedom."

Avery took a deep breath and signed.

Elijah's smile spread, transforming his face. "Welcome to Stone Enterprises, Miss Wells."

The words echoed through Avery, a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Julian Black reappeared, bearing a folder. "Congratulations, Miss Wells. This contains your welcome package, including contact information and studio schedules."

Avery accepted the folder, her mind whirling.

Elijah stood, towering over her. "I'll walk you out."

In the elevator, Avery felt Elijah's proximity, his presence magnetic.

The doors slid open, and they stepped into the bright sunlight.

"I'll have Julian arrange your first recording session," Elijah said, his voice low.

Avery nodded, still processing the whirlwind events.

Elijah's hand brushed hers, sending shivers down her spine.

"Thank you, Miss Wells," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I look forward to hearing your music."

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

Remi waited outside, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Well?" she asked, falling into step beside Avery.

Avery filled her in on the meeting, her emotions tangled.

Remi grinned. "You did it, Ave! You're officially a Stone Enterprises artist!"

Avery's smile faltered. "I know, but something feels off."

Remi's expression turned serious. "We'll keep digging, Ave. We'll uncover any secrets."

The city streets blurred together, Avery's thoughts consumed by Elijah Stone.

That evening, Avery received a text from an unknown number:

"Welcome to Stone Enterprises, Avery. I'll be watching you."

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

Who was this?

And what did they want from her?

Avery's fingers trembled as she typed a response: "Who is this?"

The reply came instantly: "Someone who knows the truth about Elijah Stone."

Avery's mind raced. What truth?

Remi looked over her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Avery showed her the messages. Remi's eyes widened.

"Block the number," Remi advised.

But Avery hesitated. This mysterious messenger might hold answers.

"Who are you?" Avery typed.

The response came: "Meet me at Cafe Noir tomorrow, 7 PM. Come alone."

Avery's instincts screamed caution, but curiosity won.

"Okay," she typed.

Remi frowned. "Ave, don't go. It's not safe."

Avery's determination hardened. "I need to know what's going on."

The next evening, Avery arrived at Cafe Noir, scanning the crowded room.

A figure in the corner, hood up, caught her eye.

Avery approached, heart pounding.

The figure pushed back its hood, revealing a striking woman with piercing green eyes.

"I'm Sophia," she said, voice low. "Elijah Stone's former business partner."

Avery's curiosity piqued.

Sophia leaned in. "Elijah's empire is built on deceit. He'll stop at nothing to control the music industry."

Avery's mind reeled.

Sophia handed her a folder filled with documents.

"Proof," Sophia said. "Elijah's been manipulating artists, stealing their work. You're just the latest pawn."

Avery's eyes scanned the documents, her heart sinking.

Remi's words echoed: "Be careful, Ave."

Avery realized she'd made a terrible mistake.

Sophia's eyes locked onto hers. "Get out while you still can, Avery. Before Elijah destroys you."

Avery's world spun out of control. She felt like a pawn in Elijah Stone's game of power.

Sophia's words echoed in her mind: "Get out while you still can."

Avery gathered her courage and stood up. "I won't let him control me."

Sophia nodded. "You're brave, Avery. But be smart. Gather evidence, build a case."

Avery's determination hardened. She would expose Elijah Stone.

The next morning, Avery arrived at Stone Enterprises, her heart racing.

Julian Black greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Miss Wells."

Avery forced a smile. "Good morning, Julian."

She made her way to the studio, her mind racing.

Elijah Stone's voice echoed through the intercom. "Miss Wells, please report to my office."

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

She entered Elijah's office, her eyes locking onto his.

"Ah, Avery," Elijah said, his voice smooth. "I trust you're settling in well."

Avery's facade crumbled. "I know what you're doing, Elijah."

Elijah's expression didn't falter. "I'm afraid I don't follow."

"You're manipulating artists, stealing their work," Avery accused.

Elijah chuckled. "Sophia's been filling your head with lies."

Avery's anger flared. "I have proof."

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "I doubt that."

Avery pulled out the folder Sophia gave her.

Elijah's expression turned icy. "Where did you get this?"

Avery stood tall. "From someone who knows the truth."

Elijah's voice dropped to a whisper. "You're making a grave mistake, Avery."

Avery's heart pounded.

The door swung open, and Julian Black entered.

"Mr. Stone, the board meeting awaits," Julian said.

Elijah's gaze lingered on Avery.

"This isn't over," he warned.

Avery watched him leave, her heart still racing.

She knew she'd just declared war.

Remi waited outside, eyes sparkling with concern.

"Well?" Remi asked.

Avery filled her in on the confrontation.

Remi's expression turned serious. "We need to get you out of there."

Avery nodded.

But a part of her refused to back down.

She would bring Elijah Stone down.

That evening, Avery received a package.

Inside, she found a small recorder.

A note attached read: "Record everything."

Avery's heart skipped a beat.

Who sent this?

And what did they want her to record?

Avery's fingers trembled as she held the recorder. Who sent this mysterious package?

She examined the device, searching for any clues. None were apparent.

Remi looked over her shoulder. "What's that?"

Avery showed her the recorder and note.

Remi's eyes widened. "This is getting serious."

Avery nodded. "I'll record every conversation."

Remi's expression turned thoughtful. "We should hide a recorder in Elijah's office."

Avery's eyes sparkled. "Let's do it."

The next morning, Avery and Remi snuck into Elijah's office.

Avery quickly planted the recorder.

Their mission accomplished, they parted ways.

Avery's nerves hummed. She felt like a spy.

Elijah summoned her to his office.

Avery entered, recorder at the ready.

Elijah's smile seemed genuine. "Avery, I apologize for yesterday."

Avery's skepticism showed. "What do you want, Elijah?"

Elijah leaned back. "I want us to work together."

Avery's recorder captured every word.

Julian Black entered, bearing documents.

"Miss Wells, please review these contracts," Julian said.

Avery accepted the papers, scanning them.

The contracts seemed legitimate.

But Avery's instincts screamed caution.

She excused herself, seeking Remi's counsel.

Remi examined the contracts. "These look clean."

Avery frowned. "Something's off."

Remi nodded. "Trust your instincts."

Avery returned to Elijah's office.

"Elijah, I need more time," Avery said.

Elijah's expression turned cold. "Time's running out."

Avery stood firm. "I won't rush."

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You're making a mistake."

Avery left, recorder still rolling.

The evidence mounted.

That evening, Avery transcribed the recordings.

Remi reviewed the transcripts.

Remi's eyes sparkled. "We've got him."

Avery grinned. "Time to expose Elijah Stone."

Their plan unfolded.

Avery would confront Elijah.

Remi would leak the evidence.

The world would finally see Elijah Stone's true face.

The next morning, Avery arrived at Stone Enterprises.

Elijah waited, his eyes glinting.

"Avery, you're making a grave mistake," Elijah warned.

Avery stood tall. "The truth will come out."

Elijah sneered. "You'll never win."

Avery smiled. "Game over, Elijah."

Remi's voice echoed through the intercom.

"Elijah Stone, you're under investigation."

The room erupted.

Avery watched Elijah's empire crumble.

Justice had finally arrived.

But Avery's heart still pounded.

This wasn't over.

Elijah's eyes locked onto hers.

"You'll pay for this," Elijah vowed.

Avery stood firm.

"I'm not afraid."