The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 24

Power Plays and Hidden Agendas

Power Plays and Hidden Agendas

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Serena gestured for Veronica to take a seat. “I’m glad you could come on such short notice, my dear.”

Veronica settled into the plush chair across from Serena, her posture perfect and her smile unwavering. “Of course, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m always at your service.”

Serena’s eyes gleamed with approval. This was the kind of girl her son should be with–poised, elegant, and from a good family. Not some gold–digging upstart like Elara.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about Damian’s… recent recklessness,” Serena began, her voice laced with disdain.

Veronica’s smile faltered slightly. “Yes, I’ve heard rumors, and I have met the same girl, but I was just wondering, is their marriage real?”

Serena waved her hand dismissively. “A momentary lapse in judgment, I assure you. That’s why I’ve called you here. I need your help to remind Damian of what he’s giving up.”

Leaning forward, Serena outlined her plan. Veronica listened intently, nodding at appropriate moments. By the time Serena finished speaking, a determined look had settled on Veronica’s face.

“I understand, Mrs. Blackwood. I’ll do whatever it takes to help Damian see reason,” Veronica promised.

Just then, Vivian entered the room. “Pardon the interruption, Madame, but Mrs. Snow Regars has arrived early for your lunch appointment.”

Serena’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Already? Well, we mustn’t keep her waiting. Veronica, dear, why don’t you join us? I’m sure Mrs. Regars would be delighted to see you!“‘

The three women made their way to the formal dining room, where Snow Regars stood admiring a painting. She turned as they entered, her face a mask of polite interest.

“Serena, darling,” Snow air–kissed both of Serena’s cheeks. “And Veronica! What a pleasant surprise.”

As they settled around the table, Serena got straight to business. “Snow, I’ve asked you here to discuss a matter of mutual interest–Elara Hart.”

Snow’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Ah yes, Daniel’s former… friend. I hear she’s made quite a stir in your family.”

“Indeed,” Serena replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘She’s managed to trick my son into a hasty marriage. I was hoping you might have some insights that could help us… rectify the situation.”

As Snow began to speak, detailing Elara’s past indiscretions and questionable behavior, Veronica listened intently. She could see why Mrs. Blackwood was so concerned. This Elara sounded like nothing but trouble.

Meanwhile, in Damian’s penthouse, Elara sat on her sofa in her room, video calling her friend and telling her how she ran into Daniel at the gala and how he acted as if they were friends in front of Damian.

“I can’t believe it,” Tessa said over the phone. “That asshole was acting friendly?”

“Yes, he even asked to talk to me.”

“What did your husband say?” Tessa asked.

“He handled it so well. He fooled Daniel into thinking that he didn’t know anything at all and refused his request.”

“I managed to dig up some dirt on him,” Tessa uttered, making Elara sit up. “But…”

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Power Plays and Hidden Agendas

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Tessa’s tone changed suddenly. “I don’t know how it happened. I lost everything about him.”

Oh my God,” Elara gasped. “How? How did that happen?” Her hope was shattered.

“The investigator called me to meet with him,” Tessa explained. “He told me he had found some nasty dirt on Daniel, and that the information could help.”

“Then?” Elara asked, her tone urgent.

“Upon arriving at the address he gave me, I found him half dead. He had been beaten severely.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “Where is he now?”

“I took him to the hospital,” Tessa replied.

“Daniel must have known someone was investigating him, Elara said, fear evident in her voice. “It’s dangerous. You need to stop, Tessa. Please.”

“Hey, he can’t do anything to me. Trust me.”

“No,” Elara insisted, her voice rising. “He could bankrupt your family company if he knew you were involved.”

Tessa sighed before relenting. “Okay, I’ll stop.”

“I will call you later, Tessa,” Elara said as Damian walked in.

“What is it?” Damian asked.

“Nothing,” she replied quickly.

“Are you still thinking about what happened at the gala?”

“Yes, not after everything.” Elara could feel Daniel’s burning gaze on her throughout the party and even as they prepared to leave.

“Tomorrow is my birthday,” Damian said. Her eyes widened. The long–awaited birthday was finally here. “I will be able to claim everything and finally put Daniel behind bars.”

She was relieved by this, but on the other hand, she was worried about facing his mother again. She knew she could be there and make her life a living hell.

“What about your mother?” Elara asked, concern lacing her voice.

“What about her?” Damian questioned.

“You know what she’s like,” Elara confessed. “The last time she was here, you know how she treated me.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. She won’t have time to mind you,” he assured her. “She will be occupied.”

“Okay.” He looked at her. The once brave Elara he knew was gone. The Elara in front of him looked tired and had no strength to fight.

“You will be okay. I will ensure that. Once I handle Daniel, will also address your previous company,” he said with a sigh. “You need to stay strong to defeat all your enemies.”

She looked up at him. “Thank you, Damian.” Elara knew that after clearing her name, she would need to start hunting for a job to cover her mother’s bills. Her bills could collapse in two months‘ time, and she wasn’t sure what Damian would say if she asked him for help. She wondered if his response might hurt her.

“What are you thinking?” Damian asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

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Power Plays and Hidden Agendas

“Nothing,” she answered.

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“Okay,” he replied, not wanting to press further. “I’ve informed the stylist and the makeover team to come and dress you for tomorrow’s party.”

“Is there a need for that?” she asked, puzzled.

“Yes, there is,” he replied with a sigh. “Because tomorrow you will be meeting the Blackwoods.”

Back at the Blackwood mansion, Serena concluded her lunch with Snow and Veronica, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Everything was falling into place. Soon, she would show Damian the truth about his so–called wife, and order would be restored to the Blackwood family.