Reignite the Flame

like fireworks, reporters shouting over each other in an attempt to get

left Max Cole for a

nt on your rumor

ou regret t

he polished marble floor. Her navy blazer was perfectly tailored, her hair and makeup flawless, pro

she said smoothly, her voi

s the door closed behind her, the din outside faded into muted white noise.

t Clara asked from the front passenge

er exhaustion with a half-smile.

our father called. He wants to meet about

the bridge of her nose

another headline: "Ella Stone's Billion-Dollar

een, refusing to le

reflection blurring with the cityscape. The questions from the reporters played

t her answer

the talk of high society, the fairy tale that tabloids adored. But behind the glitz and glamour, their marriage

ire over her husband. At the time, it had felt

glass facade towering over the bustling streets. Ella str

cooling in his hand. The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-

s attention. He turned, his chest tightenin

this morning," the anchor announced. "The media frenzy su

otage of Ella walking through the airport,

g her?" a voice drawl

business partner and closest friend, who wa

ax said evenly, setting

You mean it's h

d. "She's back in the headlines, and from what I h

ng about?" Max aske

Word on the street is Stone Enterprises is looking fo

d, but his silenc

blurred together in a flurry of responsibility. But the weight

erence room, her father was alrea

ay of greeting, gest

she asked, taking a

tly. "If we want Stone Enterprises

d. "Merger?

lder across the tabl

t. She opened the folder, scanning the

y, "you realize who runs

is a businessman, just like you. This

mind racing. After everything

n't t

r interrupted. "If we don't act now,

uctantly. She would do what needed to b

twinkling outside the window. She tried to focus on the mer

r from her reverie. A new me

sn't as secure

the words. Who would send somethin

nly feeling exposed. The shadows s

her voice steady despit

red in the doorway.

said, holding up her phone.

the message. Whoever sent it knew something sh

Another message appeared: "