That morning, Theodore had just landed in Eldoria after wrapping up a business trip. He didn't waste time. There was something urgent he needed to discuss—something that blurred the line between business and blood.
The land deal.
It had the potential to become one of the most profitable ventures in recent years. And though he could've handled it solo, Theodore had a plan: make his brother increase the bid. That way, both their companies would benefit. And more importantly, the deal would end up where it truly belonged—with Aurora.
As he exited the airport, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. He climbed in, gave a curt nod to the driver, and leaned back. His mind raced—numbers, strategy, names, risks. But as they neared Drakos HQ, something jolted him out of his thoughts.
Aurora.
She walked out of the building with a grace that made the chaos behind her seem irrelevant. Calm. Commanding. Unbothered.
He considered calling out, maybe catching up with her. But she was already out of reach—and he wasn't about to make a scene. So instead, he let her walk away... and stepped into the lion's den.
The towering glass building of Drakos Corporation loomed above. As he passed through security and entered the private elevator, employees bowed politely.
"Mr. Madoc, good morning."
He returned a nod, smiling just enough to be courteous. It wasn't arrogance. It was how things worked when you were a Madoc...a name both respected and feared.
The elevator ride felt unusually long.
When the doors finally opened, the atmosphere had shifted.
The air was tight. Crackling. Papers littered the floor. Staff moved like ghosts....whispers in corners, eyes cast low. Even the bodyguards outside Theron's office stood unnaturally stiff.
Then he saw him.
Theron Drakos.
A storm cloud in a suit, emerging from the conference room, flanked by guards. Jaw tight. Fists clenched. Eyes burning with fury.
"The....Theron?" Theodore called out.
Theron paused mid-step. His head turned slowly, eyes narrowing.
What is this idiot doing here?
Without a word, he turned and walked into his office. Theodore followed.
Inside, the storm broke.
"John, make sure no one inside or outside this building breathes a word about what happened on the top floor," Theron ordered, voice like ice. "I want a full-scale investigation into the Wilson family. Every file, every transaction. I want answers. Now."
John nodded and started to leave—until Theodore raised an eyebrow.
"What the hell's going on here, bro?"
Theron didn't respond, but John—forever the office gossip—couldn't resist.
"Long story short? The Adkins deal's dead. Thanks to our favorite walking disaster, Isabella Wilson. She insulted the Adkins team mid-negotiation. Then—get this—bribed an insider to send a cancellation email from Ms. Adkins' account."
Theodore blinked. "What?!"
"Oh, it gets better." John's grin widened. "Aurora stormed in with two lawsuits ready to go. Salvaged everything. Owned the room. Boss here?" He tilted his head toward Theron. "He froze. Just watched her rip the place apart."
"She moved like a queen," John added, smirking. "Talked like one too. Even shut Isabella down with a single sentence. Honestly? Might be a step above the boss."
Theron's jaw ticked.
"You have time to gossip while the empire burns?"
"No-no, Boss! I was just giving Mr. Madoc a glimpse of how royally you got—"
Click.
The sound of a revolver spinning filled the room.
Theron had pulled it out—casually—from his drawer, rotating the chamber with slow precision.
John froze.
"One more word…" Theron murmured, not bothering to finish the threat.
John paled. "Right. Got it," he stammered, bowing and backing out of the office like a man fleeing death.
Theodore watched him flee. "You really know how to treat your employees with love and warmth."
Theron rolled his eyes, sinking into his chair. "What do you want, Theo?"
"You think I'm here out of brotherly love?" Theodore smirked.
Theron didn't answer. He didn't have to.
"I didn't want to see your face either," Theo added. "But Dad insisted I check on your first Eldoria project."
Theron gave a dry chuckle. "Perfect timing. We're probably going to lose it. Thanks to Isabella."
Theo didn't respond right away. He had originally come to push his brother into raising the bid—to help secure the deal for Aurora.
But now? With this mess?
Even he wasn't sure Aurora would still trust Drakos Corp enough to go through with it.
And if the Aetos family caught wind of the chaos? They'd swoop in to snatch the deal. Aurora would never work with them—not after what Sebastian did.
So he changed the subject.
"I heard someone drugged you at the pub."
Theron leaned back, expression darkening. "Still no idea who. No leads. Our proposal was stolen. We're sure Isabella did it—but we've got no proof. Wilsons' records are clean. Not a trace of the embezzled funds. Our tech team came up empty."
Theo considered this. Then, quietly, he said, "I know someone. Childhood friend. Brilliant with tech. If anyone can trace it—he can."
Theron's brow lifted. "You trust him?"
"With my life."
"What's his name?"
"Ethan. Ethan Wang." Theo turned toward the door. "You'll meet him in person. No calls. No digital trail."
Theron watched him leave.
And for a moment, something inside him shifted.
Theodore.
Always distant. Always sarcastic.
But somehow, he showed up every damn time Theron was drowning.
Not on time.
But just in time.
Even when they didn't get along.
Theron's POV
Theodore.
He pretended he didn't care. Laughed things off. Played the disinterested brother card.
But whenever I was in deep shit—there he was.
Every. Damn. Time.
And he never admitted it.
I leaned back, fingers steepled under my chin. Eyes closed. Going over the Wilson trail again. Trying to spot cracks.
Still nothing.
But then…
Aurora.
I remembered the moment she stood near me.
Not rage. Not disdain. Something else lingered in the air between us. Something tense. Thick. Heavy.
And when she turned to leave…
I caught it.
Lilies.
Not just any scent. That perfume.
Could it have been her? Was she the one who saved me that night at the pub?
No.
That cold, calculated, sharp-tongued woman?
Help me?
Ridiculous.
I shook the thought off, but the scent still lingered.
Just like the doubt.