Chapter 14 - Ashes of the Past
By twilight, the boardroom was cleared, the press conferences were concluded, and the market had responded to the news. The Sterling empire had fallen into utter ruin within eight hours, while the newly unified Vance-Sterling conglomerate soared to unprecedented heights.
Elena stood on the private balcony of the penthouse, looking out over the glittering city skyline. The wind tugged at her dark jacket, but she didn't feel cold anymore.
A heavy, warm coat was draped gently over her shoulders. She didn't need to turn to know Christian was standing behind her.
""You should get some rest,"" Christian said softly, resting his hands on the balcony railing beside her. ""The legal filings are complete. Your father's name has been cleared, and everything he built belongs entirely to you.""
""To us,"" Elena corrected, looking down at the simple platinum band on her finger. ""We signed the contract, Christian.""
Christian went quiet for a long moment, staring out at the dark waters below. ""The contract served its purpose. Tomorrow, my attorneys will prepare the dissolution paperwork. You are free, Elena. You don't owe me your life, and you certainly don't owe me a marriage.""
Elena felt an unexpected ache in her chest. She turned to face him, looking into the eyes of the man who had sheltered her in her darkest hour, who had bled for her, who had avenged her father.
""What if I don't want it dissolved?"" she whispered.
Christian’s jaw tightened, a rare flicker of vulnerability breaking through his stoic mask. ""Elena, I am a violent man. My life is lived in the shadows. You deserve someone who belongs in the light.""
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""The man in the light abandoned me in front of the world,"" Elena said, taking a step toward him. ""The man in the dark put his coat over my shoulders and stood between me and the wolves.""
Before Christian could reply, his personal phone vibrated on the stone ledge. The screen displayed an encrypted message from an unknown overseas satellite.
