The Empire belongs to me

on. The Daniels mansion was alive with subdued elegance, the kind that whispered wealth rather than shouted it. It was the kind of event that demanded perfection. G

sted that Emma attend the gala against

did, defying her stepmother's subtle attempts to direct her life. She wore it with a quiet confidence

tlessly charismatic, with an air of authority that marked him as someone who was used to being obeyed. Tonight, however, his focus was fixed squarely on her, after his eyes locked on her, as they o

idn't fool her; there was something about his persistence that felt too calculated, too

little to the imagination. Her eyes were locked on Alex as she spoke with a group of investors, but her atte

ying Alex, the CEO of her stepfather's empire, would secure her future in ways even her cunning couldn't a

d revolved around her. Her voice was low, laced with the kind of charm that was equal parts sweet

stepping away just enough to re-establish a bound

sharper as she cast a glance toward Emma, who was now

I wasn't aware my company

ping closer. "I'm just looking out for you. Emma isn't as pristine

ed quickly from Lilly and walked briskly to intercept her near the entrance. "Le

er expression guarded.

ded, offering his hand. His smile wa

lute. She started to step around him, but he moved to b

things get uncomforta

er flashed across her face. "And you

ere quick and deliberate, and her mischievous smile was as sharp as her words. "Well, isn't this cozy?" she sne

voice calm and cutting. "Is that what you think? Well, it'

tort. "Lily, I think you're misunderstanding the situation. Emma's strength and indepen

to a chilly whisper. "If you want to accuse me

"Don't play coy. I'm saying he should be careful

attention of a few nearby guests who

His glare shifted between the two women, linger

e's been playing you, Alex. Don't you see it? She's always the vict

" She turned back to Lily, her voice dropping to a tone only they could hear. "But if you want

lencing her. "That's enough, Lily." His voice was low and firm, leaving no room for argum

ake. Lily bristled, her eyes darting between Alex and Emma as they walked away. "You think she's so perfect, don't you? But let me tell you something, Alex-Emma has eve

ng tension inside. Emma leaned against the railing, kee

second, his expression soft

t part of your job description as CEO,

. "You're different, Emma. You see throu

e so interested? Beca

s more than that. I admire your strength, E

ds, but she didn't let it sh

begged, his voic

me for games, Alex. Whatever you're l

ey turned to see Lily arguing with a group of guests. Her frustration was obviou

to Emma, lingering for a while too long. "I'll see you in

anigans. You have overstayed your wel

ed out of the ballroom, her fists clenched tightly. She pulled out her phone, her voice

ed in the shadows, his eyes following their every move, especially that of Emma's.

he energy to unravel it tonight. She turned back to the villa's streetlights, her resolve reinforced. Whatever games the Daniels fa

me urgently, I... I am..."

ed. Eva wasn't one to panic, but the urgency in her voice left Emm