Chapter 1 The Price Of Success

The Price of Success

Lucas

The metropolis beneath turned into a glittering maze of opportunity, an empire I had painstakingly constructed from nothing. Standing in my penthouse office, with floor-to-ceiling domestic windows that showcased the Manhattan skyline, I ought to have felt invincible. Instead, I felt hollow.

I reached for the glass of scotch on my desk, my arms brushing towards the bloodless crystal. I hadn't touched a drink in months, however this night turned into something different. Tonight marked 3 years in view that Elena walked out of my life.

Her face nevertheless haunted me-her fiery brown eyes, the decided tilt of her chin, and the manner she'd as soon as checked out me like I turned into her complete world. That appearance had dwindled lengthy earlier than she left.

"Mr. Bernard Law Sir Bernard Law ?" My assistant's voice crackled over the intercom, pulling me again to the present. "Your assembly with the board begins to evolve in 5 minutes."

"Cancel it," I stated curtly, slicing her off.

I didn't care about the board or the subsequent billion- greenback deal. None of it mattered without Elena.

I grew to become again to the window, the load of my very own conceitedness urgently down on me. I had prioritized everything-my employer , my image, my ambition-over her. By the time I found out my mistake, it was too late. She turned into gone, and I'd been too proud to combat her.

The scotch burned my throat as I took an extended sip, recollections of our closing argument gambling in my mind.

"You don't see me, Lucas!" she screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'm only a shadow on your life. I can't stay like this anymore."

I'd brushed her off, brushing off her phrases as an overreaction. My empire had demanded my attention, and I had satisfied myself she'd understand.

But she hadn't. And now, she is thriving without me.

I set the glass down, my jaw tightening. Elena's employer , Carter Luxe, had made headlines recently. She constructed it from the floor up, turning it right into a growing famous person inside the luxurious market. But I knew she was struggling. Her trendy enlargement had overextended her resources, leaving her vulnerable.

An opportunity.

The notion turned bloodless and calculated, however I clung to it like a lifeline. Buying out her employer might deliver her again into my orbit. It wasn't approximately control-it turned into approximately redemption. If I might be close to her, perhaps I ought to repair what I had broken.

I grabbed my telecel smartphone and dialed my attorney.

"Prepare a proposal for Carter Luxe," I stated without preamble.

"Understood, Mr. Bernard Law Sir Bernard Law. Shall I consist of a merger clause?"

"No. Full acquisition. I need full ownership."

As I ended the decision , a grim dedication settled over me. This turned into my risk to make matters right, even though it was supposed gambling dirty.

Because dropping Elena as soon as had almost destroyed me. Losing her once more wasn't an option.

Elena

The heat hum of the café wrapped round me as I sipped my latte, the bittersweet flavor grounding me. This area had come to be my sanctuary-a quiet nook in which I ought to get away from the pressures of running Carter Luxe.

My telecel smartphone buzzed at the table, the display lighting fixtures up with a name from my assistant, Mia. I hesitated earlier than answering.

"Tell me it's the right news," I stated , leaning again in my chair.

"Not exactly," Mia replied, her voice tinged with worry. "We've acquired an acquisition offer. From Bernard Law Sir Bernard Law Industries."

My belly dropped.

Lucas.

The call turned into like a punch to the gut, dredging up feelings I had fought difficult to bury. Anger. Regret. Heartache.

"Reject it," I stated quickly, my voice less attackable than I felt.

"It's... a totally beneficial offer," Mia pressed. "It ought to resolve all our monetary problems."

I closed my eyes, taking a steadying breath. Lucas Bernard Law Sir Bernard Law didn't do generosity. This wasn't approximately saving my employer . This turned into approximate control.

"I'll cope with it," I stated , finishing the decision earlier than Mia ought to argue.

I stood, my latte forgotten, and stared out the window on the bustling streets of Manhattan. Lucas turned into part of my past, a bankruptcy I had closed. I wouldn't permit him to dictate my future.

But whilst I vowed to face my floor , a flicker of doubt crept in. Could I absolutely face Lucas once more without reopening antique wounds?

The notion despatched a shiver down my spine.

If Lucas notion he ought to waltz again into my life, he turned in for an impolite awakening.

Lucas's plan to reacquaint himself with Elena is about into motion, however little does he know, Elena is extra ambitious than he remembers. Meanwhile, Elena prepares to confront Lucas, deciding to defend her independence at any cost.

What takes place whilst their worlds collide as soon as extra ?

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