Chapter 1 The Return of a Ghost

In the heart of Langmere city, one of the top billionaire companies in London, was facing a crisis. Key investors were pulling out, suppliers were terminating contracts, and top executives were resigning.

"We cannot allow everything to crumble, there has to be a way out of this situation." Reginald Thorne spoke to his son Cassian.

The meeting with the investors had gone sour as they had expressed dissatisfaction with the next plan of the company.

Cassian being the head of operations was thinking about a new way to save his father's company before it would go bankrupt.

"At this point I have no words to say." He revealed to his father.

Reginald was going to say something when the door opened and a woman walked into the room.

Cassian's heart dropped the moment he laid eyes on her.

Long straight brunette hair, flattery seductive gray eyes, Slim thick and she was approaching them like she owns the place.

All these features were not the aspect that surprised Cassian. It was the resemblance that struck his mind more than anything.

"My name is Veronica Steele," She introduced properly and looked towards Cassian's direction.

His heart raced the moment they locked eyes. The nagging feeling of Aurora standing before him, became strong.

The resemblance was too much.

"Have we met before?" Cassian asked.

"No," She replied quick.

"You look like my late wife Aurora." Cassian pointed out, turning to look at his father who's eyes widened at his comment.

Veronica smiled and cleared her throat. ""I am not Aurora, I am Veronica Steele. And I'm here to buy your falling empire." She revealed.

"This empire needs all the support it can gets. What makes you think you are the right person for it?" Reginald asked.

"Because I am everything the company needs. I have a large amount of shares across every single corporation in this city and I am also the head of Mack Fashion Industries."

Cassian's eyes widened further. She certainly isn't Aurora.

"Can I have a word with my son Miss Veronica?" Reginald asked, picking up the telephone. "I will inform my personal assistant to give you a good reception." He said.

Reginald spoke through the telephone and moments later a blonde hair lady walked into the room, she ushered Veronica out leaving Cassian with his father.

"That is Aurora father. She is not dead." Cassian pointed out.

"Nonsense. I personally made sure that she is handled while she was in prison."

Flash Back...

Aurora stared down at Cassian through the window of the police van. Tears were dropping down her eyes as the man that she loved looked away.

How could he betray her like that?

She always thought they were going to live long enough to witness the birth of their child but he had to frame her for the things she didn't do.

Cassian had lied about her involvement in drug supplies and because of that, she was arrested.

"You are going to suffer miserably in prison woman." One of the Police men said before they drove off from the mansion.

Flash Back ended.

"I called one of the police officers and he took care of business. I am sure she is long buried." Reginald informed his son.

Cassian fell into deep thought while his father paced around the office in silence. He stopped and then turned around to face his son.

"We have serious situations in our hands. My company should not be allowed to go down after years of hard work. We must keep pushing." He said.

"Are you suggesting we accept her deal?" Cassian asked.

"Let's listen to what she has to say." Reginald suggested and then pressed the telephone.

He informed the secretary to bring back Veronica. Moments later the door opened and she graciously walked into the room.

"We will listen to your offer and make our decision." Reginald revealed.

Veronica smiled and then begins to speak. "Fifty Million dollars to float the areas that have been ruined due to lack of adequate funding and a twenty percent dividend by the end of the year."

"That is too much." Cassian responded and Veronica turned to face him. "You don't have a choice Mr. Your empire is falling and you need me." She boasted.

Reginald was silent thinking through the offer for a moment. It was a great deal but just like Cassian had said, it wasn't what they needed.

"Make it a hundred Million dollars and then fifteen percent dividend at the end of the year." He suggested.

Veronica chuckled. "You must think I am some sort of fool. This company hasn't earned a gross income up to a billion dollars in the last four months. I will be loosing if I invest heavily."

"Then we don't have a deal." Reginald responded.

"Such egoistical men even in the face of adversity. I guess I will take my deal somewhere else." She said and turned around to leave.

"Excuse me." She paused and looked to Cassian, "Do you perhaps know a woman named Aurora?"

Veronica rolled her eyes at him. "If you are missing your wife, then go to the grave and mourn her death and take another." She spat before walking out the door.

Outside the company she was heading towards her car, when a phone call came through. Veronica noticed it was from an unfamiliar number but she still picked.

"Hello?"

"Hey sweetheart?" A deep voice came through.

"Who is this?" She asked, squinting her eyes in confusion.

"I found your poster across and picked out your number and decided to let you know you are gorgeous." He said.

Veronica rolled her eyes and remained silent.

"Seems you didn't like the joke." The man asked.

"It is a horrible joke Dom. Do you think I will not recognize your voice?"

"Maybe we can try another one soon." He said and they laughed.

Veronica got into her vehicle, the phone still placed in her hand

"So what did the both of you agreed upon?" Dom asked.

"They could not reach an agreement. Cassian was stunned when he saw me. He couldn't believe his eyes."

"As it should be. The Aurora he knows is no longer alive. Veronica Steele rules now." Dominic said.

"I think they will come around. Especially Cassian, I know he still has a soft spot for me and that is when we use it in our favor."

"I know you will find a way to reach something." He said.

Veronica hung up the phone and as her driver drove away, she smiled in content.

This is just the beginning Cassian Thorne. You will regret ever taking such a terrible deal over your wife.