s words echoing in Elena's skull like a warning. *"Because now I have to chase you."* She should have been thrilled. She had her lead-the connection between Dominic's takeover of Hartman H

ng windows showcased Manhattan's skyline, but Elena's attention snagged on the desk. Dominic sat behind it, sleeves rolled to his elbows, tie loosened. His gaze locked onto hers the moment she stepped out. "You came." Elena lifted her chin. "You knew I would." A smirk. "I did." She didn't move closer. "What's the game, Dominic?" He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "No game. Just answers." He gestured to a file on the desk. "Hartman Holdings. Everything you wanted to know." Elena hesitated. Too easy. Dominic's smile was razor-thin. "Scared?" That did it. She crossed the room in quick strides, snatching the file. Inside-bank statements, contracts, emails. All pointing to one thing: Daniel's father had been embezzling for years. Dominic hadn't orchestrated a hostile takeover. He'd exposed a fraud. Elena's stomach dropped. "Daniel knew?" Dominic's expression was unreadable. "Ask him yourself." She looked up sharply. "What?" A door opened behind her. Daniel Hartman stepped into the room. --- **THE RECKONING** Daniel looked like hell-pale, shadows under his eyes, his usual polished veneer cracked. "Elena." His voice was rough. She took an involuntary step back. "What the hell is this?" Dominic stood, circling the desk with predatory grace. "A reunion." Daniel's jaw tightened. "I didn't have a choice." Elena's pulse roared. "About what?" "Calling off the engagement." Daniel's gaze flicked to Dominic. "He gave me an ultimatum-walk away, or he'd go public with my father's crimes." The pieces clicked. Dominic hadn't just ruined Hartman Holdings. He'd ruined *her.* Elena whirled on him. "You *used* me." Dominic didn't flinch. "I saved you." "B