From Ashes to Love

to-ceiling windows of Meridian Investments' headquarters told a lovely story of the annual Highgate Capital Conference. Outside was an early autumn day with a slim, brisk breeze; the tension

ble, brushed with silver, was an homage to family lineage and her rise from the ashes. She was here to win, and everybody felt it. Across the table sat the polished and immovable consort of We

enable us not only to set the course for the future of our companies but to reshape our entire industry." Elara had not delivered just the numbers and graphs; she had delivered a story. A story of betrayal, loss, and a Phoenix that ros

this moment had been on his schedule. When he finally rose, silence took hold of the air once more. "Elara has an interesting tale," he articulated calmly and smoothly. "Bu

nal. As the presentations went on, the numbers and charts appearing on the screen were nothing but a backdrop to the real drama between Elara and Damien. For Elara, this was about a

t was obvious this case was not merely about winning a contract; it was also about something for herself and against Damien. Damien, refusing

him toward a quiet alcove with a view of the city. The moment they stepped even slightly away from the crowd

a narrowed her eyes. For years, she had blamed him for all the wrongs in her life; only now, standing there, she wondered

h emotion. "This isn't about you. It's about justice. You destroyed

ed by the same cool determination. "Justice? Or revenge?" he asked. "Be

ien. The bidding process had taken an unexpected turn, and the game was about to change again. Damien gave

e being made and unmade, but Elara couldn't focus. Damien's words echoed in her min

erupted in applause. But Damien's response was just as sharp. "Success isn't handed out on sentiment," he said. "I

e, Damien pulled Elara aside one last time. "You don't even know what you're fighting for," he whis

his was about more than money or power. It was about the past, about the truth, and about t