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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Falling Shadow

Thea Queen strode through the halls of Queen Consolidated, her 6'1" frame commanding attention as she followed her father, Robert, into the executive boardroom. At seventeen, she had spent the past nine months shadowing Robert and occasionally Walter Steele, learning the ins and outs of running a multi-billion-dollar company. Her sharp mind and natural confidence had earned her the respect of many employees, though some still eyed her with skepticism.

As Robert began the meeting, Thea took Her usual seat beside him, her emerald green eyes scanning the room. She wore a sleek black blazer with nothing underneath, the deep neckline revealing her toned figure. The tailored blazer cinched at the waist, emphasizing her silhouette, while matching high-waisted trousers hugged her long legs. Her hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, and her makeup was minimal but polished. She looked every bit the future CEO, even if she was still technically an intern.

The meeting dragged on, with Robert discussing the company's latest financial reports and upcoming projects. Thea listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes or asking clarifying questions. Her contributions were always thoughtful and well-reasoned, earning nods of approval from Robert and Walter.

After the meeting, Thea lingered in the boardroom, reviewing her notes. Isabel Rochev, who had become a close friend over the past nine months, entered the room, a cup of coffee in hand.

"Still working?" Isabel asked, her tone teasing but warm. She handed Thea the coffee, her sharp blue eyes glinting with amusement.

Thea accepted the coffee with a grateful smile. "Always. You know me—I can't sit still for long."

Isabel leaned against the table, crossing her arms. "You're going to burn yourself out if you're not careful. Even geniuses need to chill sometimes."

Thea chuckled, taking a sip of the coffee. "Says the woman who's always glued to her laptop."

Isabel shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Touché. But seriously, Thea, you've been killing it lately. Mr. Queen and Mr. Steele are impressed, and so am I."

Thea's smile softened. "Thanks, Isabel. That means a lot."

Isabel studied her for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You know, you're not like most seventeen-year-olds. Most kids your age are worried about prom and homework, not corporate strategy."

Thea raised an eyebrow, her tone dry. "And most interns aren't shadowing the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company. I guess I'm just special."

Isabel laughed, shaking her head. "You're definitely something, Thea Queen. Just don't forget to relax a little, alright?"

Thea nodded, her expression softening. "I'll try."

Later that evening, Thea found herself in the woods behind the Queen mansion, her bow in hand and a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the trees as she moved through the shadows with practiced ease.

She had been training for years, honing her skills in archery, hand-to-hand combat, and swordsmanship. Her regeneration ability allowed her to push her body to its limits, and she took full advantage of it. Tonight, she focused on her archery, firing arrow after arrow at a makeshift target she had set up in the clearing.

Dressed in a form-fitting, triangle shaped bra and low waisted cheeky cut brief, Thea's toned physique was on full display. The minimal yet practical outfit allowed for complete freedom of movement, the soft fabric hugging her skin as she pulled back her bowstring with precision. The cool night air brushed against her bare skin, but she barely noticed—her focus was locked on the target ahead.

Each shot was precise, the arrows hitting their mark with unerring accuracy. Thea's movements were fluid and deliberate, her focus unwavering. She had always been a quick learner, but her past life's skills gave her an edge that few could match.

As she practiced, her mind wandered to the challenges ahead. She knew the Arrowverse was a dangerous place, and she was determined to be ready for whatever came her way. Whether it was protecting her family, leading Queen Consolidated, or facing the darker forces at play in Star City, Thea was prepared to do whatever it took.

The next day, Malcolm Merlyn visited the Queen mansion, his presence casting a subtle but palpable tension over the household. He arrived under the guise of catching up with Robert and Moira, but his sharp eyes lingered on Thea, his interest in her unmistakable.

Thea, for her part, remained wary of Malcolm. Her memories of her past life had left her with a deep mistrust of the man, and she was determined to keep her guard up around him. Dressed in a sleek satin black cropped camisole paired with low-waisted sheer leggings, she exuded both comfort and quiet confidence. The soft fabric clung to her form, and the slight sheen of the material caught the light as she moved. She leaned casually against the back of the couch, her arms crossed, every inch of her body language signaling that she wasn't going to let her guard down around him.

As they sat in the living room, Malcolm turned to Thea, his tone casual but probing. "So, Thea, Robert tells me you've been shadowing him at Queen Consolidated. How are you finding it?"

Thea met his gaze, her expression calm but guarded. "It's been enlightening. I've learned a lot about the company and the challenges it faces."

Malcolm nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "You're a sharp young woman. I have no doubt you'll go far."

Thea's smile was polite but distant. "Thank you, Mr. Merlyn. I'll do my best."

Malcolm studied her for a moment, his gaze calculating. "You remind me of myself at your age—ambitious, driven, always thinking ten steps ahead. It's a rare quality."

Thea's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her tone neutral. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Malcolm chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "As you should. Just remember, Thea, the world can be a dangerous place. It's important to have allies you can trust."

Thea nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'll keep that in mind."

Thea's first official board meeting at Queen Consolidated was a turning point in her journey. She had spent weeks preparing for this moment, and she was determined to make an impression.

As she entered the boardroom, she could feel the weight of the board members' gazes on her. Some were curious, others skeptical, but Thea remained unfazed. She took her seat beside Robert, her posture confident and her expression calm.

She was dressed for the occasion, exuding power and poise in a sleek black tailored blazer draped over her shoulders, left unbuttoned to reveal a plunging silk camisole beneath. Instead of a restrictive skirt, she opted for high-waisted wide-leg trousers with dramatic thigh-high slits, allowing effortless movement with every step. The fabric flowed elegantly as she walked, commanding attention. She completed the look with strappy stilettos, adding to the air of sophistication and authority.

When it was her turn to speak, Thea stood, her voice steady and commanding. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the board. I've been working on a proposal to expand Queen Consolidated's presence in the renewable energy sector. With the growing demand for sustainable solutions, I believe this is a market we can't afford to ignore."

She presented her proposal with precision and clarity, her sharp mind and strategic thinking on full display. The board members listened intently, some nodding in approval, others exchanging impressed glances.

Thomas, one of the older board members, leaned forward, her expression intrigued. "This is a bold move, Thea. What's your timeline for implementation?"

Thea met her gaze, her tone confident. "If approved, we can begin initial research and development within six months, with a full rollout projected within two years."

Another board member, an older man with a stern expression, nodded slowly. "It's ambitious, but the numbers are solid. I'm impressed."

Walter was the first to speak after she finished. "That was an excellent presentation, Thea. You've clearly put a lot of thought into this."

Robert nodded, his pride evident. "I agree. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need."

Thea smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Thank you. I'm glad you see the potential."

Thea's first public appearance as a representative of Queen Consolidated was at a high-profile charity gala. She had been invited to give a speech about the company's commitment to innovation and social responsibility, and she was determined to make an impact.

As she stepped onto the stage, the room fell silent, all eyes drawn to her. She wore a breathtaking deep blue gown that clung to her figure like liquid silk, the fabric shimmering under the lights. The deep, plunging neckline dipped daringly toward her midriff, balanced by thin, delicate straps that framed her shoulders. High slits on both sides of the gown extended all the way up to her hip bones, allowing the fabric to cascade around her legs with every step.

Her hair fell in loose, effortless waves, framing her sculpted features. Her makeup was minimal, with only a touch of highlighter accentuating her cheekbones and a bold red on her lips. Silver stiletto heels peeked through the gown's flowing hem, completing the mesmerizing ensemble.

Thea began her speech, her voice clear and confident. "Thank you for having me here tonight. Queen Consolidated has always been a leader in innovation, but we believe that true success comes from more than just financial growth. It comes from making a positive impact on the world."

She paused, glancing out at the audience. "You might be wondering why I'm the one standing here tonight, rather than my father or another senior executive. The truth is, Queen Consolidated is at a crossroads. We're not just a company—we're a legacy. And as the next generation of that legacy, it's my responsibility to ensure that we continue to evolve, to adapt, and to lead. My father and Mr. Steele have entrusted me with this opportunity because they believe in the vision I've laid out for our future—a future that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility."

She spoke about the company's plans to invest in renewable energy, support local communities, and promote sustainability. Her words were met with applause, and when she finished, the room erupted in cheers.

As she stepped off the stage, Walter approached her, his expression filled with pride. "That was incredible, Thea. You've made quite the impression."

Thea smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Thank you, Walter. I couldn't have done it without your support."

Robert joined them, his arm around Thea's shoulders. "You were brilliant, sweetheart. Everyone's talking about you."

Thea glanced around the room, noticing the curious and admiring glances from the other attendees. A well-dressed man in his forties approached, extending his hand. "Ms. Queen, that was an inspiring speech. I'm Jonathan Hartley, CEO of Hartley Industries. I'd love to discuss potential collaborations."

Thea shook his hand, her smile polite but confident. "Thank you, Mr. Hartley. I'd be happy to set up a meeting with my father."

As the evening progressed, Thea found herself introduced to several influential figures, each one impressed by her poise and intelligence. She handled the introductions with ease, her natural charisma shining through.

Thea stood on the doorstep of the Lance household, her heart pounding in her chest. She had come to pick up Sara so they could hang out, but she couldn't shake the nervous energy coursing through her.

She had opted for a casual yet effortlessly stylish look— a cropped white tank top that clung to her frame, paired with ultra-low-rise denim shorts that sat dangerously low on her hips. The distressed fabric barely covered her upper thighs, revealing smooth, sun-kissed skin. Over it, she wore an oversized, unbuttoned flannel shirt, the sleeves rolled up lazily to her elbows. A pair of sleek white sneakers completed the outfit, adding to her relaxed but undeniably striking appearance.

Quentin opened the door, his sharp eyes softening when he saw Thea. "Hey, kid. Sara's almost ready. Come on in."

Thea stepped inside, her tall frame towering over Quentin. Despite their height difference, there was a warmth between them, a bond that had grown stronger over the years.

"How's work been?" Quentin asked, leading her into the living room.

Thea smiled, her tone casual but genuine. "Busy, but good. I've been shadowing my dad and Walter, learning the ropes."

Quentin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're doing great, Thea. I'm proud of you."

Thea's smile softened. "Thanks, Quentin. That means a lot."

Sara appeared a moment later, her blue eyes lighting up when she saw Thea. "Hey, you ready to go?"

She was dressed in a knee-length navy blue dress with a modest round neckline and a cinched waist that gave it a flattering silhouette. Over it, she wore a classic medium-wash denim jacket, left unbuttoned for a casual touch. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and she wore simple stud earrings. She completed the look with a pair of low-heeled ankle boots, striking a balance between comfort and elegance.

Thea nodded, her heart skipping a beat. "Yeah, let's go."

They spent the afternoon together, their hangout feeling more like a date than a casual outing. They laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed each other's company, the connection between them growing stronger with every passing moment.

As the sun began to set, they found themselves sitting on a park bench, the world around them quiet and still. Thea turned to Sara, her green eyes filled with emotion. "Thea, I…"

Before she could finish, Thea leaned in, her lips brushing against Sara's in a soft, tentative kiss. For a moment, Sara reciprocated, her hand reaching up to cup Thea's cheek. But then, abruptly, she pulled away, her expression filled with regret.

"Thea, I… I can't. This is a mistake."

Thea's heart shattered as Sara stood and walked away, leaving her alone on the bench. She sat there, her mind racing and her heart aching, as the weight of the moment settled over her.

Thea sat on the park bench, the cool evening air wrapping around her like a shroud. Her heart ached, and her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She had finally taken a chance, only to have it slip through her fingers.

As she stared at the spot where Sara had been, Thea whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "I thought… I thought this was real."

The world around her seemed to fade away, leaving only the echo of Sara's words and the ache in her chest. Thea Queen, the prodigy, the future CEO, the girl who always had a plan, was left with nothing but the sting of rejection and the quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, Sara would come back.

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought back the tears threatening to spill. Thea wasn't used to feeling this vulnerable. She had spent years building walls around her heart, protecting herself from the pain of loss and betrayal. But Sara… Sara had always been different. She had a way of breaking through Thea's defenses without even trying.

"Why did I let myself believe? I should have known, it's always same, even in this new life." Thea muttered, her voice trembling. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees and burying her face in her hands. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, suffocating and relentless.

For a long time, she sat there, the sounds of the city fading into the background. The occasional rustle of leaves or distant hum of traffic did little to pull her from her thoughts. She replayed the kiss in her mind—the way Sara had leaned into it, the warmth of her touch, the fleeting moment of connection before it all fell apart.

Finally, Thea stood, her legs stiff from sitting for so long. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to straighten her shoulders and lift her chin. She couldn't afford to fall apart, not now. Not when there was so much at stake.

As she walked home, the streets of Star City felt colder, emptier than before. Thea's mind raced, trying to make sense of what had happened. Was it something she had done? Something she had said? Or was it simply that Sara didn't feel the same way?

When she reached the Queen mansion, the lights were still on, casting a warm glow through the windows. Thea hesitated at the door, her hand hovering over the handle. She didn't want to face her family, not like this. Not when she felt so raw and exposed.

But she had no choice. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, her expression carefully neutral. Robert was in the living room, reading a newspaper, while Moira sat nearby, sipping a cup of tea. They looked up as she entered, their faces lighting up with smiles.

"Thea, there you are!" Moira said, setting her cup down. "How was your evening?"

Thea forced a smile, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "It was fine. Just… a long day."

Robert nodded, his eyes softening. "You've been working so hard lately. Don't forget to take some time for yourself, sweetheart."

Thea's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "I will, Dad. Thanks."

She excused herself and headed upstairs, her steps heavy. Once in her room, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. The walls she had built around her heart felt cracked, fragile, and she wasn't sure how to repair them.

Thea crossed the room to her window, staring out at the city lights. Star City was alive, bustling with activity, but she felt disconnected from it all. She had always been so sure of herself, so confident in her path. But now… now she felt lost.

"Get it together, Thea," she whispered to herself, her voice firm despite the tears welling in her eyes. "You're stronger than this."

But even as she said the words, she couldn't shake the ache in her chest. Sara had been a light in her life, a source of warmth and comfort. And now that light was gone, leaving Thea in the shadows.

Thea stood by the window, her reflection staring back at her in the glass. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: she couldn't let this break her. She had something to lose now, something to fight for. Unlike her last life.

As the first tear slipped down her cheek, Thea wiped it away, her jaw tightening with resolve. She would get through this. She had to.

But for now, she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, a moment to grieve what might have been. And then, with a deep breath, she turned away from the window, ready to face whatever came next.

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**Author's Note:**

Hey everyone!

Is it just me or are my chapter titles making no sense? 😅😅😅😅

Anyway thank you all once again for reading, and I hope you're as excited as I am to see where this story goes. Let me know what you think, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

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