Chapter 3 The Past Intrudes

Elena felt her pulse quicken as the tall, elegant woman crossed the room with an air of ownership. Her icy blue eyes locked onto Aiden's, her sharp smile brimming with challenge.

"I thought I'd stop by and see how you're holding up," Victoria said, her voice smooth and laced with mockery. "Imagine my surprise to find you... remarried." Her gaze flicked to Elena, assessing her with thinly veiled disdain.

Elena bristled but stayed silent, unsure if she should speak or wait for Aiden to address the situation.

"What do you want, Victoria?" Aiden's voice was curt, his expression unreadable.

Victoria feigned innocence, placing a manicured hand on his desk. "Is that any way to greet an old flame?"

Elena felt a pang of something she couldn't quite define-was it jealousy? No, she told herself. This was just a contract.

"Your presence isn't necessary here," Aiden said, his tone growing colder.

Victoria straightened, her smile never faltering. "I simply wanted to congratulate you on your... expedited marriage. Although I must say, your taste has taken an interesting turn." She glanced at Elena again, her words cutting.

"Victoria," Aiden said sharply, stepping around the desk to block her view of Elena. "Leave. Now."

Victoria's smile wavered, but her composure remained intact. "Fine, Aiden. I'll leave-for now. But don't forget, I know you better than anyone. This little charade won't last."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode out, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

The tension in the room was palpable as the door clicked shut.

"Who the hell was that?" Elena finally demanded, standing to face Aiden.

"Victoria St. Claire," Aiden replied, his voice measured. "My ex-fiancée."

"Ex-fiancée?" Elena repeated, her brow furrowing. "Care to explain why she's barging in here, acting like she owns the place?"

Aiden sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's complicated. We were engaged years ago, but it ended badly. She has a knack for showing up uninvited."

Elena crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "And you didn't think to mention her? What else are you hiding, Aiden?"

His gray eyes met hers, cool and steady. "This is a business arrangement, Elena. My past shouldn't concern you."

Elena clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "You brought me into this, remember? If your past is going to crash into my life, I think I have a right to know."

Aiden stepped closer, his towering presence making the room feel smaller. "I'll handle Victoria," he said firmly. "You don't need to worry about her."

Elena stared at him, her frustration mixing with something she couldn't quite name. "Fine," she muttered, grabbing her bag. "But if she shows up again, I'm going to need answers."

She turned to leave, but Aiden's voice stopped her.

"Elena," he called, his tone softer now.

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder.

"For what it's worth," he said, his expression unreadable, "Victoria has no power over me. Or us."

Elena nodded, unsure what to make of his words. She stepped out of the office, her thoughts swirling as she rode the elevator down.

As the doors opened to the lobby, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and froze.

The same unknown number flashed on the screen, the message sending a chill down her spine:

"Victoria's not the only one watching. Be careful."

Elena's grip tightened on the phone, her heart racing. What had she gotten herself into?