"Hehehehehe… I wish his downfall would come soon. I can't wait!"
Ella's chest lightened as she overheard the whisper of vindictive delight. For the first time in days, a heavy burden seemed to lift from her shoulders. A spark of hope, of justice long overdue, flared quietly inside her, mingling with a thrill she tried to hide.
Later that day, as she walked past Ben's room, she froze. Soft, broken sobs escaped from behind the door—a sound she hadn't expected. Her heart twisted painfully. The man who always seemed cold, unshakable, and untouchable… was human after all. Concern and a strange warmth of compassion surged inside her. She hesitated, unsure what to say, unsure if she had the right to say anything at all, and quietly moved on.
"I heard you," she finally murmured, her voice calm yet filled with gentle insistence, carrying a quiet strength.
Ben stiffened. He wasn't angry, but vulnerability made him pause, shy to reveal the softness he usually buried deep.
"I heard everything your father said. Go on… I won't judge you," Ella said, her hands reaching tentatively toward his, a silent promise of reassurance.
"My… my dad wants me to run this empire until he finds someone worthy to take over. And I… I don't want any part of his dirty deals," Ben admitted, his voice trembling, almost breaking. "He left me with no option… else he'll take everything from me."
Ella's chest tightened. For the first time, she saw past the arrogant, stoic mask—she saw the boy behind the businessman. Deep inside, she was quietly thrilled that he trusted her enough to open up, though she kept her emotions carefully in check.
"So… what are you going to do now?" she asked softly, her eyes steady on his, searching for honesty.
"I wish I could refuse him," he replied, his voice low and heavy, thick with resignation. "But I have no choice. I have to do what he wants."
Ella's gaze softened, but her mind raced with strategy. She stepped closer, her presence calm, yet her words firm and nurturing:
"You told me I'm not like anyone else. That I'm hardworking, calm, patient, and goal-oriented."
She didn't let him break eye contact. She leaned in slightly, letting her words carry both truth and unspoken encouragement.
"I've been by your side for some time now. I've attended meetings with you, handled emails, met investors… even joined crucial and confidential meetings meant for only you. I know I can handle this."
A pause, a breath heavy with possibility. Ella's mind flickered with ambition, a spark she hadn't known before. The thought of influencing the empire, of stepping into a place of power while helping the man she had begun to care for, sent a thrill through her.
"Now… It's my turn," she whispered, the words meant more for herself than anyone else, a quiet promise in the shadows of a household built on lies, ambition, and broken loyalties.
Ella had never sought revenge. But life had offered her the stage, the tools, and the opportunity. And she would not turn away. Not now. Not ever.
She walked to her room majestically, a soft, triumphant smile curling her lips.
"We are this close, Ella. Tolerate him," she whispered to herself, a quiet mantra of patience and ambition.
Upon reaching her room, she noticed one of the house help staring at her in an annoyingly curious manner.
"What are you looking at? Or do you want to be sacked?" Ella asked sharply, her tone calm but commanding, leaving no room for argument.
"Go make a very hot chocolate tea," she ordered. The maid hurried off, eager not to fall into Ben's bad books, remembering the recent dismissal of a colleague for disrespect.
Ella headed to her shower, letting the warm water cascade over her. She sang and whistled softly, a melody of someone who had just claimed a fortune, her spirit light, victorious, and full of renewed purpose.