The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 21

Daniel

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Daniel

In a luxurious penthouse overlooking the city, Daniel Regars lounged in his leather chair, a glass of expensive whiskey in hand. His piercing green eyes were fixed on the large screen before him, displaying various news articles and social media posts about Elara’s sudden marriage to Damian Blackwood.

A cruel smile played on his lips as he scrolled through the content. “Oh, Elara,” he murmured, “did you really think you could escape me so easily?”

He stood up, moving to the floor–to–ceiling windows. The city lights twinkled below, a reminder of the power and influence he wielded. Daniel had always gotten what he wanted, and Elara was the only person who had ever dared to say no to him. It was a slight he had never forgotten–or forgiven.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in,” he called out, not turning from the view.

His assistant, a nervous–looking young man named Alex, entered the room. “Mr. Regars, I have the information you requested about Mrs. Blackwood’s current situation.”

Daniel turned, his green eyes glinting with interest. “Go on!”

Alex cleared his throat before continuing. “She’s been staying at the Blackwood mansion since the marriage. Our sources indicate she collapsed and has been recovering there.”

A low chuckle escaped Daniel’s lips. “How convenient. So our little Elara married Damian just to escape the little predicament she was facing?”

“Also, it seems she lost her job at Marshall & Hewitt a few weeks ago, just before the marriage,” his assistant said. Daniel clenched his hand, anger simmering beneath the surface. He had thought his plan was perfect, that Elara would be shaken by what he did to her. Even when he wasn’t in town, he had sent people to monitor her every move, waiting for the right moment to strike. He had been patient, watching her struggle to climb to the top before dragging her down. But who could have predicted that Damian would step into the picture?

away Elara was mine. Mine to play with. She was my toy to begin with, and I’m not ready for anyone to snatch her from me–not even Damian.

“I knew about that,” he replied coldly, making Alex even more uneasy. Daniel had orchestrated her downfall with the help of her colleagues. “My Elara married for money, after all. I always knew she had it in her.”

He walked back to his desk, picking up a framed photo. It was an old school picture, showing a younger Elara. Her smile was bright and carefree, unaware of the obsession she had sparked in her classmate.

“What about Damian Blackwood?” Daniel asked, his finger tracing Elara’s face in the photo.

Alex shuffled through his notes. “He’s… formidable, sir. The Blackwood empire is extensive and well–protected. Getting to Elara won’t be easy with him in the picture.”

Daniel’s grip on the frame tightened, his knuckles turning white. “Blackwood may be powerful, but he doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. I am sure she won’t be able to bring herself to open up to Damian. Elara is mine, and it’s time she remembered that.”

He set down the photo and turned to his assistant. “I want you to arrange a ‘chance‘ encounter with Mrs. Blackwood. Perhaps at that charity gala tomorrow? I’m sure the Blackwoods will be in attendance.”

Alex nodded, scribbling in his notepad. “Yes, sir. Anything else?”

A sinister smile spread across Daniel’s face. “Yes, actually think it’s time we reminded Elara of our shared past. Send a little… gift to the Blackwood mansion. Something that will shake her up a bit.”

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Daniel

+25 BONUS

“What kind of gift, sir?”