Chapter 5 Will not be a pawn

That morning, Elena stood by her bedroom window, dressed in a simple white gown that contrasted with the fierce determination on her face. The overcast sky outside mirrored her mood-calm on the surface, but storming within.

Last night, she had made a decision:

> If this marriage was a stage for revenge... then she would no longer be a pawn. She would become the lead player.

A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts.

A young new maid named Lin entered with her head lowered. "Pardon me, Ma'am... but Madam Victoria has requested your presence in the main hall."

Elena nodded. "I'll be there shortly."

Her steps were steady as she descended the grand staircase connecting the east wing to the mansion's main area. Below, Victoria Blackwood sat elegantly in the central seat, flanked by three lavishly dressed socialites-her friends.

"Oh, the substitute bride finally descends," one of them sneered.

"I heard she's nothing more than Clarissa's shadow," another chuckled. "She should be grateful Damien still went through with the wedding."

Elena said nothing. She calmly walked forward and stood before them.

"Good morning, Madam," she greeted politely. "You asked for me?"

Victoria placed her teacup down with an audible clink and looked at Elena like a lion sizing up prey. "You forgot something important as a member of the Blackwood family."

Elena frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Victoria smiled-sweet, but sharp. "You haven't surrendered the Hart family's private property documents. As a wife, shouldn't your assets be considered marital property?"

The socialites laughed in satisfaction.

Elena held her breath. So that was the real motive-to drain the last of her family's wealth from within.

"Those assets are still under my father's name," Elena replied cautiously. "And most of them are being used for his medical care."

Victoria narrowed her eyes. "Then perhaps Damien should reconsider keeping you. After all, a useless woman... doesn't belong in this house."

Elena gave a cold smile. "Unfortunately for you, it was Damien who married me. And unless he personally requests it, your demand holds no legal weight."

A flash of surprise crossed Victoria's face, but she quickly masked it.

"Elena..." she murmured, "don't get too confident. This house has eyes in every corner."

---

That afternoon, Elena sat alone in the back garden, writing in her small notebook. But heavy footsteps behind her made her turn.

Damien.

He wore a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows and charcoal slacks. As immaculate as ever-but his gaze remained like ice.

"I heard you refused my mother," he said bluntly.

Elena slowly closed her notebook. "I was just protecting what little dignity I have left."

Damien let out a short laugh. "Dignity? From the woman who willingly took the place of a runaway bride?"

Elena stood. "That's enough, Damien. If you want to divorce me, go ahead. I won't beg."

Damien's eyes locked onto hers. "You think I married you out of desperation? No. I married you because you're the perfect pawn to cripple Hart Corporation from the inside. And so far... you've played your role brilliantly."

Thud.

That hit harder than any insult he'd ever thrown.

"So I'm just a pawn?" Elena whispered.

Damien leaned in, his face close. "A pawn... but a very useful one. Your family trusts you. You could be the key to uncovering their secret accounts. And when the time comes, I'll bring Hart to its knees-then toss you aside like dust."

Elena stared into his eyes. "And what if I destroy your plans first? What will you do then, Damien?"

There was a pause.

Then he gave a small, chilling smile-one that hurt more than any threat.

"I'll applaud you... before I crush you."

---

That night, Elena sat at her vanity. She stared at her reflection-a woman forced to grow under pressure, betrayal, and manipulation.

> I'm not the same Elena anymore.

I'm not the weak woman who bows to a mother-in-law, gets trampled by maids, or becomes a tool for her husband.

Her hand reached into a drawer and pulled out the folder from Damien's study-the one she had secretly copied and hidden.

> If they want to play me like a pawn... then I'll rise like a queen.

Outside her room, young maid Lin-seemingly innocent-stood silently, typing on her phone.

Message sent:

> "Elena is starting to fight back. She has copies of confidential documents."

Recipient: Victoria Blackwood.

A reply appeared within seconds:

> "Watch her. And if necessary... make her fall before Damien finds out she's becoming a threat."

                         

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