The next morning, Elise descended the grand staircase of Silas's estate in a crisp black jumpsuit, sharp heels clicking confidently against marble. She was no longer the girl bought and caged—she was a woman planning her enemies' downfall over breakfast.
Silas was already in the dining room, sipping espresso and scrolling through something on his phone. He looked up, and for a moment, something unreadable flashed in his eyes.
"Sleep well?" he asked.
"I dreamt of throwing Vanessa off a yacht," Elise replied smoothly, taking a seat. "So yes. Very well."
Silas chuckled, but before he could respond, the butler appeared at the door.
"Sir, your guest has arrived."
"I didn't invite anyone," Elise said, eyes narrowing.
Silas stood slowly, jaw clenching. "Neither did I."
Before either of them could speak again, a tall woman strode into the room like she owned it. Blonde, beautiful, wrapped in money and attitude. She didn't knock. She didn't greet. She just smirked.
"Silas," she purred. "You still drink overpriced espresso and destroy people for sport. Some things never change."
Elise raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"
The woman turned, smile widening with that fake-gloss shine Elise had seen too many times. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you'd have mentioned me by now."
Silas's voice was sharp. "Camilla, what the hell are you doing here?"
Camilla. The ex. The one Elise had only heard about in whispers from staff who seemed too scared to say more.
"Oh, come on, darling," Camilla said, eyes never leaving Elise. "I heard you were playing house. Thought I'd stop by and see if the rumors were true."
Elise leaned back, sipping her coffee. "They're not."
Camilla blinked. "Excuse me?"
"We're not playing house," Elise said coolly. "This isn't a game. And you're interrupting."
Camilla laughed, but it was tight. "Cute. But I know how this ends. He gets bored. He always does."
Silas stood beside Elise, a hand resting lightly on her chair. Protective. Grounding.
"I suggest you leave, Camilla," he said. "Before you remind me why we ended things."
"Oh, I haven't even started," she said, smile curling dangerously. "You always liked your women with a little fight in them. Let's see how long this one lasts."
As she turned and sauntered out, Elise didn't flinch. But inside, a warning bell rang. Not out of fear—out of challenge.
Silas sat back down, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "I'm sorry. I had no idea she was back in the country."
"It's fine," Elise said, voice steady. "She wants a fight? I've got enough battles lined up already. One more won't kill me."
Silas looked at her for a long moment. "You're something else, Elise."
She gave him a sly smile. "You haven't seen anything yet."