Nancy Carter had always believed in earning everything.
Trust. Power. Her place in a world that never handed anything to girls like her.
But now, for the first time in weeks, she felt the pressure tightening again. Not from public judgment. Not from Adrian.
This time, it was something darker.
Someone was watching her.
And she could feel it.
---
Monday Morning – Carter & Co. HQ
Mia walked into Nancy's office with a grim expression.
"You need to see this."
Nancy looked up from her laptop as Mia handed her a white envelope—no return address. Inside, just one printed photo.
It was Nancy… hugging Adrian outside her apartment.
Nothing scandalous. But the message was clear:
"We see you."
Nancy's throat dried. "Where did this come from?"
"No idea. It was in the building mailbox."
Nancy flipped the photo over.
A single word written in sharp black ink:
"Tick-tock."
---
Meanwhile – Blackwood Tower
Adrian sat with his legal advisor, going through past merger documents. But his mind wasn't in it. Not really.
His phone vibrated. A message from an unknown number.
"You should've stayed with the star, Blackwood. Now you're about to watch her fall."
Attached: A screenshot of confidential Carter & Co. files—Nancy's expansion strategies.
Adrian stood up so fast his chair slammed against the wall.
He knew this move.
It wasn't just a warning.
It was war.
---
Later That Night – Nancy's Apartment
Adrian showed up uninvited, file in hand.
"I think Lily's working with someone inside your firm."
Nancy stiffened. "Mia?"
"No," Adrian said. "She'd never. But someone else. Someone close enough to leak strategy docs. Someone who wants to ruin you."
Nancy's eyes narrowed.
"And how do you know this isn't you trying to scare me back into your arms?"
He looked at her, expression unreadable. "Because if I wanted to manipulate you... I wouldn't be handing you evidence."
She said nothing, but took the file from his hand.
"You know what scares me, Adrian?" she said, quiet.
"What?"
"I think I believe you."
---
Elsewhere – Rooftop Surveillance Room
Lily stood beside a figure cloaked in darkness. On the screens, Nancy and Adrian's every move played in silent color.
"How long before we break her?" Lily asked.
The man lit a cigarette, smirking. "We don't break queens, darling. We just make them question their crown."