The Plans

Selene's grip on the edge of her desk tightened as Camille's words settled in the room like a storm cloud. Someone had leaked confidential information about her company. Someone had made their move against her, and it wasn't a coincidence. Her jaw clenched as she turned toward Camille. "Who has access to those documents?" Camille exhaled sharply. "Only the senior board members and a few trusted executives." Selene's mind was already calculating, sorting through possibilities. This wasn't just a small security breach-this was hug. Aurora, who had been silent until now, took a step closer. "Selene... this is serious." Selene shot her a sharp glance. "I know." Aurora hesitated before speaking again, her voice quieter. "Damian?" Selene's pulse slowed, her rage focusing like the sharp edge of a blade. It made sense. Too much sense. Damian Rothschild had just forced his way into her company by buying twenty percent of her shares. He had been playing a long game, and this leak? It wasn't an accident. It was a warning. Selene turned back to Camille. "I want a meeting with the board. Now." Camille nodded, already pulling out her phone as she stepped out of the office. Aurora stayed, watching Selene carefully. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Aurora sighed. "You're going after him, aren't you?" Selene's lips curled into a cold smirk. "He came after me first." Aurora shook her head. "Damian doesn't lose. He won't back down." Selene stepped closer, her voice steady. "Neither do I." Aurora exhaled, her golden eyes scanning Selene's face. There was something in her gaze-concern. But Selene didn't want it. She didn't need it. Before Aurora could say anything else, Camille returned. "The board is waiting." Selene nodded and walked past Aurora without another word. Her heels echoed against the marble floor as she made her way toward the conference room. Every step was a promise. Damian thought he could control her? He thought he could shake her? He had no idea who he was dealing with. She would remind him. The boardroom was already full when she entered. The senior executives sat around the long, polished table, murmuring among themselves, uncertainty in their eyes. Selene took her seat at the head of the table, her presence silencing the room instantly. Camille remained standing, tapping on her tablet. "The leaked documents include projected financial growth, upcoming mergers, and internal shareholder communications." A man near the end of the table-a senior board member named Jacques Moreau-spoke, his voice sharp. "This is a disaster." Selene's expression remained unreadable. "It's a setback, not a disaster." Another executive, Marie Fontaine, shook her head. "This could shake investor confidence. If we don't get ahead of this, it will damage our stock value." Selene leaned back in her chair, her eyes scanning the room. "Which is why we need to find the leak." Jacques cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. "Do we know who's responsible?" Selene's smile was cold. "Not yet. But we will." The room was silent. They all knew what that meant. Selene Laurent did not tolerate betrayal. Camille set her tablet down. "We need a controlled response before the media spins this further. I suggest we release a statement denying any internal instability." Selene nodded. "Do it." Marie hesitated. "And what about Rothschild?" The room went still. Selene's eyes darkened. "What about him?" Marie shifted uncomfortably. "He's gained significant leverage. If he's behind this, he's sending a message." Selene smirked. "Then we send one back." Jacques frowned. "Selene, if we start a corporate war with Rothschild, it could-" Selene's voice was sharp. "It's already begun." Silence. Jacques sighed, rubbing his temples. "Do you ever think about stepping back?" Selene's gaze was unwavering. "No." She stood, ending the conversation. "Find the leak. Control the media and make sure Rothschild knows-if he wants a war, he'll get one." She turned on her heel and walked out. Camille followed, matching her stride. "You should tread carefully." But Selene didn't slow down. "Careful doesn't win wars." Camille sighed. "Fine. But at least have a plan." and Selene smirked. "I always do." She stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut behind her. The moment she was alone, her smile faded. She wasn't just fighting for her company. She was fighting for control and if by any chance she lost?. She refused to entertain the thought. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, she pulled it out, expecting another update from Camille but when she saw the name on the screen, her breath caught. Damian Rothschild. She stared at the screen for a long moment before finally answering. "If you're calling to gloat, don't waste my time." Damian's chuckle was slow, amused. "You wound me, Selene." She rolled her eyes. "Get to the point." Damian sighed dramatically. "Fine. I just wanted to say-I admire your resilience." Selene's grip tightened around the phone. "I don't need your admiration." "Maybe not." Damian's voice lowered, turning sharp. "But you do need to understand something." Selene's jaw clenched. "And what's that?" A beat of silence. Then-"I always win." Selene's breath slowed. Damian continued. "You're playing defense, Selene and if you keep this up, you'll lose everything." Selene forced a smile. "We'll see about that." Damian chuckled. "Oh, we will." Then, just before he hung up, he added-"Give my regards to Aurora." The call disconnected. Selene stood there, her pulse pounding. Damian had made another move. A personal one and that meant he wasn't just coming for her company anymore. He was coming for Aurora. Selene's lips parted as she exhaled slowly. This wasn't just a game anymore. It was a warning, a war that had started long before she even realized and she was already in the middle of it.