Chapter 5 RYAN'S ADMIRATION

Ryan Gray sat in his luxurious office, his expression serene, and an amusing smirk playing on his lips. He had the charisma like that of a king keeping others at arms length, with his extremely handsome face, he watch the drama unfold between Lena and the Harrington family on his computer screen. He had been following the story closely, and he couldn't help but feel impressed by Lena's bravery and determination.

As a billionaire with a hidden identity, Ryan had built his empire from scratch, and he knew a thing or two about taking risks. He had been watching Lena, with interest, and he was intrigued by her dual persona - a shrewd businesswoman by day and a passionate advocate for justice by night.

"She's a complex and fascinating individual," Ryan said to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.

Ryan's assistant, Emma, walked into the office, a look of concern on her face. "Sir, the Harrington family's stock is plummeting. Should we invest in their downfall?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Not yet, Emma. Let's see how this plays out. I want to know more about Lena's business dealings and how this exposé will affect her company."

Emma nodded, taking notes on her tablet. "I'll dig up more information on Harris Enterprise, sir."

As Ryan continued to watch the drama unfold, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Lena's conviction and integrity. He was drawn to her strength and determination, and he found himself wanting to meet her in person.

The conversation between Ryan and Emma continued:

Emma: "Sir, I've found out more about Harri's Enterprise. They're a respected company in the industry, known for their innovative approach and strong leadership."

Ryan: "I like what I see. Arrange a meeting with Lena, Emma. I want to discuss potential business opportunities with her."

Emma: "Yes, sir. But should I reveal your true identity to her?"

Ryan smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Let's keep that under wraps for now, Emma. I want to see how she reacts to me as a regular person."

Emma nodded, a knowing look on her face. "I'll set up the meeting, sir."

As Ryan waited for the meeting to take place, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He had a feeling that Lena was going to be a game-changer in his life.

The Harrington family, due to the sudden hit to their reputation, have been seeking ways to salvage the situation and restore their tarnished reputation. The recent events has taken a toil on their vast empire and people seem to diminish their interest in working for them or even collaborating business deals with their company.

In order to try and raised their standing in B city once more, they had decided to host a banquet to show off their wealth, although the company funds were frozen, the Harrington family has deep roots when it's comes to owning highly expensive jewelleries and artifacts.

The aim of hosting the banquet was to display the highly sort after diamond necklace owned by the late matriarch, which was later passed on to the current matriarch.

Lena sitting in her dinning room while having a scrumptious dinner received a notification detailing the Harrington family supposed banquet. She narrowed her eyes into slits and thought for a moment before typing into her phone, "get me the complete details of the Harrington family supposed diamond necklace within an hour, leave no stone unturned" , a reply came in swiftly " yes boss".

After a heartfelt dinner, she wiped her lips with serviette and made her way into her bedroom. She ruffled her hair and entered the bathroom, taking her shower, within 15 minutes , she was out living the bathroom covered in mist due to the steam from the hot water. Patting her skin dry and applying some moisturizer's , she picked up the blow-dryer to dry her, hair , immediately she settled into bed her phone buzzed with a new notification.

Upon opening it , she found out it was the information she requested for, the report detailed the origin of the diamond necklace. The diamond necklace originally known as "heart in the sky" was owned by an old couple 20 years ago, who had participated in a competition involving poet lovers.

The necklace has been set as the winning prize for first runner up which was then won by the couple and granted to them as the prize for winning first place. Old Mr and Mrs Harrington had being there during the competition and also participated but came in third, winning just an ancient ceramic cup.

But old Mrs Harrington was displeased at the outcome and insisted on claiming the "heart in the sky" diamond necklace, so they had the winning coupled followed to their house and tried to bribe them in exchange for the necklace. The couple haven't participated in the competition to win that necklace for their ground daughter refused to budge.

The Harrington's left the small courtyard in anger only to send their subordinates at night to set the courtyard on fire while retrieving the necklace and made it look like an accident. The couple were too old to act swiftly after discovering the fire late , and they ended up lossing their lives in the fire.

No one has known of this event, even people who were supposed to know had claimed never knowing due to fear . If not for Lena's extensive connections, she wouldn't have gotten hold of this information.

Upon reading through the contents, Lena's face darkened, her expression became so dark that the room temperature freeze's. "so wickedness runs in their root eh" Lena mumbled to herself, " fine I will make sure they never set their eyes on that necklace again after the supposed banquet" she thought to herself." Since the true owners are dead and grandchildren were unknown, I will distribute the funds to charity, " she made up her mind

On the night of the banquet been the eve of the charity gala to be hosted by the Harrington family. Lena, disguised as Nightshade, had infiltrated the event, mingling with the guests and posing as a wealthy socialite.

Her target was the priceless diamond necklace, worn by the matriarch of the Harrington family. Lena had planned the heist meticulously, using her knowledge of the mansion's layout and security system to her advantage.

As she danced with one of the guests, Lena expertly swapped the necklace with a fake replica, all while keeping a watchful eye on the security guards. She made her escape, leaving behind a trail of confusion and panic.

The next day, Lena, still in her Nightshade persona, delivered the necklace to a local charity auction, where it was sold for a record-breaking price. The proceeds went to funding education programs for underprivileged children.

Lena's reputation as Nightshade grew, and she became a hero to many in the city's underbelly. She continued to target the wealthy elite, retrieving the embezzled funds from those who had more than they needed and giving to those who had nothing.

One of her most notable heists was at the luxurious Bellevue Hotel, where a wealthy businessman had stored a valuable art collection. Lena, disguised as Nightshade, had infiltrated the hotel's security system, disabling the cameras and alarms.

She made her way to the penthouse suite, where the art collection was displayed. Lena expertly selected the most valuable pieces, leaving behind a note that read: "Redistributed to those in need."

The art pieces were later sold at auction, with the proceeds going to fund a local homeless shelter. Lena's actions had brought hope and relief to many, and her legend grew as a modern-day Robin Hood.

But as Nightshade's fame grew, so did the danger. The wealthy elite were determined to catch her, and the police were hot on her trail.

Despite the risks, Lena couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and purpose. She was making a difference, and that was all that mattered.