Chapter 6:
**FLASHBACK *
The stranger paced back and forth in the hospital's waiting area, his mind racing. He had to find a way to convince the hospital that he was Elizabeth's brother. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Hey, I need a favor," he said, his voice low. "I need you to get a birth certificate, create adoption papers, and find any other documents that would prove I'm this girl's brother."
The person on the other end of the line hesitated for a moment before responding, "What's the story?"
The stranger quickly filled him in on the situation, leaving out no details. "I need you to make her my adoptive younger sister. Can you make it happen?"
There was a pause before the response, "I'll need some information. What's her name, date of birth, and parents' names?"
The stranger quickly provided the information, having already gathered it from Elizabeth's wallet and phone. "And what about her medical history? Any allergies or conditions I should know about?"
He listened intently as the person on the other end of the line asked questions and took notes. "Got it. I'll have everything ready in an hour."
The stranger hung up the phone and continued to pace, his mind racing with the details of Elizabeth's fake backstory. He had to make sure everything matched, from her childhood to her parents' names.
An hour later, the stranger received a call from his contact, confirming that the documents were ready. He arrived at the hospital, fake documents in hand, and approached the reception desk.
"I'm here to see my sister, Elizabeth," he said, confidently. "I've brought the necessary documents to prove our relationship."
The receptionist looked up, skeptical, but the stranger's confident demeanor put her at ease. She took the documents, scrutinizing them carefully before nodding.
"Very well, Mr...?"
" Maverick, " the stranger replied, smiling. "Elizabeth's adoptive brother."
END OF FLASHBACK
Meanwhile at Blackwood Industries, Kaius sat there, lost in thought. His mind drifted back to her. He wondered if she had woken up, what she was thinking of and what her expressions would be after waking up.
The way she'd looked at him, her eyes sparkling in the dim light, had left an indelible mark. It was as if she'd seen right through him, to the very heart of his desires.
A shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the sensation of her skin beneath his fingertips. The experience had been unlike anything he'd ever known. Always the one in control, he felt his sef slipping with her.
He leaned back in his chair, struggling to make sense of the emotions swirling inside him. A storm was brewing, threatening to consume him whole. Uncertainty gripped him, leaving him unsure how to feel or react. One thing was certain, though: his life was on the cusp of a transformation he couldn't yet begin to imagine.
As Kaius sits at his desk, lost in thought, his assistant buzzes him to remind him of an upcoming meeting with a potential investor. This meeting could make or break the company's future, and Kaius needs to be focused and composed.
However, with his mind still reeling from the events of the previous night, Kaius struggles to shake off his distraction. He knows he needs to get his head back in the game, but he can't seem to concentrate.
Kaius's POV
I drew in a slow breath, forcing my mind away from her. From the way her lips had tasted.
From the way she had unraveled something inside me I hadn't known was there.
I had a meeting to attend, one that could shape the future of Blackwood Industries. Distraction was not a luxury I could afford.
Still, as I rose from my desk and headed toward the conference room, a quiet unease settled in my chest. It felt like walking into a storm I hadn't seen coming.
The door slid open.
Executives filled the room, their faces familiar, their voices low and professional.
Then my gaze lifted and landed on him.
Ryker Wellesley.
A slow, smug smile curved his lips as if he'd been expecting me all along.
My blood turned cold.
Of all the people I never wanted to see again, Ryker sat comfortably at my table, his presence alone an unspoken challenge.
Not a coincidence.
Not ever.
"Mr. Wellesley," I said coolly, my tone edged with steel. "I wasn't informed I'd be hosting you today."
His grin widened. "Kaius. Still charming as ever."
My jaw tightened as questions exploded in my mind. What was he doing here? And why did he look like he already knew the outcome?
Then realization struck.
RWL Group.
The shadow conglomerate. The silent giant. The empire whispered about in boardrooms and financial columns.
Ryker wasn't just another investor.
He was the threat.
A slow, dangerous calm settled over me. Admiration tangled with resentment and anger. This had been planned—every step, every smile.
"That calculating bastard," I thought darkly.
I straightened, meeting his gaze squarely.
"This meeting is canceled."
A ripple of surprise passed through the room.
"I've reconsidered," I continued. "Blackwood Industries will not be doing business with you or your… empire."
For a split second, his smile slipped.
Then it returned; sharper. Colder.
"As you wish," Ryker murmured. "But don't mistake refusal for escape."
He stood and walked out, his footsteps echoing long after the doors closed behind him.
Satisfaction flickered through me.
Brief. Hollow.
Because deep down, I knew I hadn't won anything... yet.
I had reacted.
I had let emotion steer a decision that should have been calculated, dissected, and strategically weighed.
For the first time in years, I had broken my own rules.
And I might have just invited a war I wasn't prepared for.
I exhaled slowly, then reached for my phone.
"Get me the list of alternative investors for the new project," I told my assistant.
"Immediately."
If Ryker wanted a game,
Then I would make sure I was ready to play it.