The night was heavy with rain, the city awash in silver streaks beneath the glow of the streetlamps. Damien stood on the penthouse balcony, suit jacket off, his sleeves rolled to the elbows. He watched the storm through narrowed eyes, jaw tight, mind racing.
Inside, Lena sat by the fireplace, a cup of untouched tea cooling in her hands. Her thoughts were consumed by the man who had called her Paul Whitaker. Her father.
"Have you told Tessa to increase security?" she asked quietly, her voice breaking the silence.
"Yes. The building's locked down. No one gets in without clearance," Damien replied, his tone clipped. "But I doubt he'll try to break in. He wants something. He'll want to meet on his own terms."
Lena looked up. "What if I go to him?"
Damien turned sharply. "Absolutely not."
"He said I'm the one he wants."
"I don't care," he growled, striding toward her. "You're not walking into whatever trap he's setting. I've dealt with men like him before. They use people like pawns and destroy everything they touch."
Lena's eyes burned. "But he's my father."
Damien cupped her face, gentle despite the fire in his veins. "No. He's the man who left you. Who stole everything from your family. Don't give him the power to steal from you again."
Her breath hitched as she looked into his eyes. "I don't want to lose myself."
"You won't," he said. "Not while I'm still standing."
Two Days Later – Private Lounge, Midtown Hotel
Lena sat at a polished mahogany table in the dim corner of a high-end lounge, her heart hammering against her ribs. She had agreed to meet Paul but only with Damien's security team nearby, watching every move.
The door opened.
Paul Whitaker entered like a ghost from the past tall, lean, silver-streaked hair combed back, dressed in an expensive coat he clearly didn't earn. His cold, calculating eyes landed on Lena, and a slow smile curled his lips.
"You've grown," he said, as though they were catching up after a long absence. "You look just like your mother."
Lena stiffened. "You don't get to talk about her."
Paul slid into the chair across from her. "Fair enough. I assume Damien knows you're here?"
"Yes," she said. "He's not far."
Paul chuckled. "I never expected you to marry into the Blackwood family. Clever girl."
"This isn't a game," she snapped.
His smile faded. "No, it's business. And I have a proposition."
Lena narrowed her eyes. "What could you possibly offer me?"
Paul leaned forward, voice low. "You and Damien are about to face a war you can't win. Harold Blackwood wants me gone, but I have enough dirt on him to bring down half of Blackwood Enterprises. You help me give me access to Damien's files, his movements, his weaknesses and I make sure you come out clean when the dust settles."
Lena stared, stunned. "You want me to betray him?"
Paul's eyes glittered. "He's using you. You're just another pawn in Harold's empire. And when they're done with you, they'll throw you away just like I was."
Lena slowly stood, fury rising in her chest. "You weren't thrown away. You were arrested for crimes you committed. Don't blame me or my husband for what you did."
Paul's smile twisted cruelly. "Then you've made your choice."
She leaned in close. "I already did. The day I married Damien Blackwood."
That Night – Blackwood Penthouse
Lena burst into the penthouse and found Damien in the study. He looked up, tense. "You met him."
"I had to," she said. "He wanted me to spy on you. Give him access to your life."
Damien's expression darkened, but he didn't interrupt.
"I said no," Lena continued. "But he's planning something. He has something on your father. Enough to bring down the company."
Damien walked over and took her by the shoulders. "Are you okay?"
"I am now," she whispered. "But Damien… I think he's not working alone."
Damien frowned. "You mean the board?"
Lena nodded. "Sarah Larkin. She was meeting with him."
Damien's jaw clenched. "I'll take care of her."
Lena grabbed his arm. "No let me."
He looked at her in surprise. "You?"
"I know her. She won't expect me to confront her. I'll find out what she knows."
Damien studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Be careful."
Lena smiled faintly. "I learned from the best."
Meanwhile – Blackwood Mansion
Harold Blackwood stood at his study window, watching the rain fall. Behind him, Sarah Larkin entered quietly.
"You asked for me?" she said.
Harold turned slowly, his expression unreadable. "I know about Paul."
Sarah's face remained still. "What about him?"
"You've been feeding him information. Meetings, board discussions, the stock movement. Don't insult me by denying it."
Sarah folded her arms. "Paul made an offer. One that could protect the company if we cut Damien out."
"You're playing with fire," Harold warned. "And you'll be the first to burn."
Sarah gave him a cool smile. "Then I suggest you decide whose side you're really on."
Harold's fingers curled around the back of his chair. For the first time in years, someone had dared challenge his control and she wasn't bluffing.