Chapter 4 Torn Allegiances

The bar was dimly lit, with soft jazz humming in the background, but Lana's mind was miles away. She swirled the amber liquid in her glass, watching the ice cubes clink together. Two weeks. Two weeks to prove herself to Nicholas Sterling. It felt impossible, but giving up wasn't an option.

"Lana Daniels," a smooth, familiar voice drawled behind her.

She turned, her breath catching when she saw him. Aaron Blake. The man she had once trusted more than anyone until he had shattered her world. His tall frame leaned casually against the bar, his dark eyes gleaming with the same magnetic charm that had drawn her in all those years ago.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Aaron smirked, sliding into the seat beside her as if they were old friends. "Still as fiery as ever. Relax, I'm just here for a drink. Didn't know I'd run into you."

Lana narrowed her eyes. "Cut the act, Aaron. You don't do coincidences."

He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You know me too well. Fine, I heard you were back in the city and couldn't resist saying hello. It's been what, three years?"

"Not long enough," she muttered, turning back to her drink.

Aaron sighed, his playful demeanor faltering. "Lana, come on. Can we at least talk? I made a mistake, but I've missed you."

The words struck a nerve, and she fought to keep her emotions in check. "You didn't just make a mistake, Aaron. You betrayed me. You took everything we built together and threw it away for... what? A bigger paycheck? A prettier smile?"

He flinched at her words but quickly recovered, his expression softening. "I was young and stupid. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now how much I hurt you. Let me make it up to you."

Lana shook her head, her chest tightening. She didn't have time for this. Not now, not ever. "You can't fix this, Aaron. You made your choice, and I made mine. We're done."

Before he could respond, a shadow fell over them. Lana looked up to see Nicholas Sterling standing there, his piercing gaze fixed on Aaron.

"Am I interrupting something?" Nicholas asked, his voice calm but laced with an edge that sent a shiver down Lana's spine.

Aaron stood, his confident demeanor slipping as he sized up the man before him. "And you are?"

"Nicholas Sterling," he said, his tone making it clear he didn't need an introduction. "Lana and I were just discussing business."

"Business, huh?" Aaron glanced between them, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes. "Didn't realize she was moving in such high circles these days."

Nicholas's expression didn't waver. "She's earned it. Now, if you'll excuse us, I need a moment with Miss Daniels."

Aaron hesitated, his jaw tightening. "This isn't over, Lana." He shot Nicholas one last look before walking away, leaving an uncomfortable tension in his wake.

As soon as Aaron was gone, Nicholas sat in the chair Aaron had vacated, his gaze unreadable. "Old flame?" he asked casually, though there was nothing casual about the way his eyes searched hers.

"More like an old mistake," Lana replied, her voice clipped. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You're on a tight deadline, and I don't recall giving you time off for drinks."

Her cheeks flushed with anger. "I'm not your employee, Mr. Sterling. I don't need your permission to have a life."

His lips curved into a faint smirk, but his eyes remained cold. "Fair enough. But I'd suggest you stay focused. Distractions like him won't help you succeed."

Lana bristled at his tone, but before she could retort, he leaned forward, his gaze pinning her in place.

"You should be careful, Miss Daniels," he said softly. "The people you let into your life can either build you up or tear you apart. Choose wisely."

With that, he stood and walked away, leaving Lana to grapple with the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Her mind replayed the encounter, the memory of Aaron's betrayal clashing with Nicholas's cryptic words. It felt like the ground beneath her was shifting, and she didn't know where to step.

But one thing was clear: the past she thought she had left behind was far from over.

As Lana gathered her things to leave, her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen, her breath catching when she saw the message.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with. Walk away now, or you'll regret it."

Her pulse quickened as her grip tightened on the phone. The sender was anonymous, but the message was chillingly clear.

For the first time in a long while, Lana wasn't sure if she'd make it out of this unscathed.