Adkins Real Estate – War Room
"Aurora, I found someone who can get us to the top floor!" Daniel announced, practically bursting with excitement.
Aurora turned to him, brow raised. "Uncle, you're faster than a rocket."
He puffed out his chest. "Of course I am—especially when it's about avenging my goddaughter."
The team stifled their laughter, watching him beam with childlike pride, like a five-year-old glowing from his mother's praise.
Aurora let out a soft smile. "Alright then. Let's begin."
"Begin with what?" Riya asked, tilting her head.
"With this," Ethan cut in, jogging into the room with exaggerated flair.
"With what exactly?" Susan asked, arms folded.
"With what I found," Ethan smirked, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Guess what—I found the prey."
"Isabella?" Riya guessed.
He shook his head. "More than that."
"WHAT?" everyone chorused in disbelief.
Aurora remained calm, unreadable. Her silence spoke volumes as if she'd already anticipated this.
"It doesn't matter who's fighting who," she said, rising from her seat. "Since they dragged us into this, we'll show them hell."
Ethan's eyes gleamed with emotion.
"Tears? Really?" Susan asked, amused.
"Of course! Seeing my darling become the queen she was always meant to be..."
Aurora narrowed her eyes.
Daniel cleared his throat. "Our CEO is strong, competent, and not playful...unlike someone I won't name. Mr. Wang, we need to move."
Aurora shook her head, muttering under her breath, "Children…"
Susan and Riya chuckled.
Drakos Headquarters
Aurora arrived at Drakos HQ with Riya, Daniel, and Susan in tow. Her face was expressionless, but her stride held purpose.
"If I get stopped, make sure to open the gates," she instructed Ethan through her earpiece.
"Done and ready."
She headed inside and sat confidently in the waiting lounge while Daniel approached the help desk.
"Sir, may I know who you're here to meet?" the receptionist asked, stopping him.
Before he could respond, a voice interrupted.
"They're invited by me."
The receptionist's posture stiffened. "If this is regarding Adkins Real Estate, we've been instructed not to let anyone in related to them—"
"They're not," the man cut in sharply. "Ms. Allen, are you implying that your position is higher than mine? That I need your permission to meet clients?"
Her face paled.
"If I lose a contract because of your judgment, will you take responsibility?" he challenged.
She quickly bowed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Brown."
"Mr. Clarke," Jason Brown said, extending a hand to Daniel.
Daniel returned the handshake and led him to Aurora.
Jason's breath caught for a moment. Wow… she's…
Her posture, her presence...it was commanding. For a split second, he compared her to Theron. If those two ever clashed… he wasn't sure who he'd root for. They were equals. No… she might actually surpass him.
"Ms. Adkins, I'm Jason Brown. Very pleased to meet you," he said respectfully.
Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Brown. I didn't expect we'd meet like this."
Jason blinked, confused.
"I imagined we'd meet in your office, over your fantastic proposal." She paused. "But someone stole it before we could. But I doubt that is not the only reason why you are helping me even though you know I'm going to show your boss, the hell"
Boom.
Jason felt the impact. She's not just a goddess… she's the mastermind, she can see through the schemes.
He scrambled to regain composure. "You're right, Ms. Adkins. I'm not doing this just to get back at Isabella. This company gave me everything. I rose from nothing because of the changes our CEO made. I can't let his efforts be destroyed. If your retaliation can help secure his position—then so be it."
Aurora's gaze softened slightly. You've earned yourself a loyal soldier, Theron, she thought.
"Fine. Lead the way. Just get us to the top floor. I can infiltrate from there."
"Yes, madam." Jason nodded and guided them toward a lesser-used elevator far from Isabella's view.
The elevator had only one destination: the top floor.
How mysterious, Aurora mused.
Jason glanced at her. "You have the evidence. You could sue us directly. Why take the risk of coming here in person?"
Aurora simply smiled.
She understood the pain of rising from nothing...even with support. But someone like Theron, who fought alone, with even his family waiting for his downfall… she could only imagine his battles.
But was that the only reason she cared?
No answer came.
"I give tenfold of what I receive—whether it's love or revenge," she said with a smirk.
Jason was momentarily speechless. What a game-changer.
A sudden chill brushed his neck. He turned to find Daniel staring daggers at him.
He gulped. Susan and Riya struggled not to laugh.
Ding.
The elevator arrived at the 40th floor. Aurora stepped out.
"You go, Mr. Brown. We'll handle it from here."
He nodded and let the doors close.
Top Floor
Ding.
As they stepped onto the 41st floor, a receptionist scrambled toward them.
"W-Who are you? You can't be here....wait, wait! Ma'am, please...!"
Aurora ignored her and kept walking. Her strides were sharp, purposeful, and unrelenting. The receptionist practically ran to keep up.
Before anyone could react, Aurora slammed open the conference room doors.
BAM.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Is this a dream? Is there really a woman who walks like thunder and looks like a goddess? Jane thought, frozen.
Jason stared, completely lost in her aura.
She even overshadowed our boss… She's the real alpha, John whispered to himself.
Theron's composure wavered for a second before he straightened.
"Who are you? Who let you in here?"
Aurora's eyes gleamed. "Why don't you do the honors, Ms. Wilson?"
Isabella turned white as snow.
Her secretary nearly dropped her tablet.
Why is she here? How did she get here? What's her plan?! Isabella's mind spiraled.
Jason took the chance to announce, "Welcome, Ms. Adkins."
The room gasped.
Theron blinked.... once, twice.
John nearly fainted.
Boss is tough, he thought. But she… she might just be tougher.
A voice suddenly rang out, sharp and demanding.
"Who allowed you in?"
Aurora turned, her gaze turning to ice.
"Instead of asking who allowed me in, why don't you ask what made me barge in like this?" she countered coolly. "Mr. Wilson, I'm sure you know the reason."
A beat of silence.
Then, Theron's voice cut through the air, low and laced with disdain. "Isn't that because you came running after seeing our legal notice? I didn't know you were even capable of going against Drakos Corp."
He leaned back slightly, observing her.
He had expected her to flinch, to lose composure..but... she didn't. Not even a blink.
He hated that.
He hated the way she stood tall, untouched by his presence.
He hated the way her aura clashed with his and still came out stronger.
He hated that in this moment... everyone was watching her, not him.
And she hadn't even said a word more.
What he didn't anticipate is he dug his own grave.