"Remember what we practiced, Leo." I straighten my son's little blue tie as we stand in the elevator ascending to the top floor of Knight Industries. "If anyone asks—"

"My daddy is away on business," he recites perfectly, his small face serious. "And it's not polite to ask personal questions."


I smile, smoothing his dark hair. "Perfect."

The truth hangs unspoken between us. His father isn't away on business—he's about to meet him for the first time, though neither of them will know it. At least, not yet.

The elevator chimes as we reach the 78th floor. I take a deep breath, adjusting my white blazer and checking my reflection in the mirrored wall. The woman staring back bears little resemblance to the Olivia Morgan who was destroyed five years ago. My once-long brown hair is now a sophisticated shoulder-length cut with subtle highlights. Regular sessions with a personal trainer have replaced my former softness with lean muscle. Cosmetic dentistry perfected my smile, and the best skincare money could buy erased the stress lines of my past life.


But the most significant change isn't physical. It's in my eyes—cold, calculating, determined.

"Ready?" I ask Leo, offering my hand.


He nods, slipping his small fingers into mine. "Ready, Mommy."

The elevator doors slide open to reveal a sleek reception area with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Manhattan. A tall, elegant woman rises from behind a glass desk.

"Ms. Morgan? I'm Claire, Mr. Knight's executive assistant. Welcome to Knight Industries."

I offer a practiced smile. "Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice."

Claire's eyes drift to Leo, curiosity evident. "And who's this handsome young man?"

"This is my son, Leo. My childcare arrangements fell through at the last minute." The lie slides easily from my lips. "I hope it's not an inconvenience."

"Not at all," Claire says, though her expression suggests otherwise. "The Ascendant Group presentation is scheduled in Conference Room A. The other attendees are already gathered. Mr. Knight will join shortly."

She leads us down a corridor lined with awards and magazine covers featuring Ethan Knight's accomplishments. Leo stares wide-eyed at everything, occasionally squeezing my hand in excitement.

"Your first time in New York?" Claire asks him kindly.

Leo looks up at me, waiting for permission to speak. I nod slightly.

"Yes," he says. "Mommy says it's where the important people live."

Claire laughs. "Some would say that. Others might disagree."

We reach a set of double doors. Through the glass walls, I can see a dozen people seated around a massive conference table. My pulse quickens as I recognize several Morgan Group executives—former colleagues who once respected me, then believed the worst without question.

None of them recognize me. Five years, extensive cosmetic work, and a complete reinvention have seen to that.

"Here we are," Claire says, opening the door. "Mr. Knight will be with you shortly."

All conversation stops as we enter. I feel their eyes on me—assessing, curious, some dismissive when they notice Leo. I've anticipated this reaction. A woman bringing a child to a high-level business meeting breaks every unwritten rule of corporate America.

Good. Let them underestimate me.

"Gentlemen, ladies," I say, my voice cool and confident as I take my place at the table. "I'm Olivia, President of Ascendant Group."

I help Leo into the chair beside mine, placing my tablet in front of him with his favorite game already loaded. He knows to keep the volume off and stay quiet—we've practiced this scenario many times.

"I wasn't aware this was a 'bring your child to work' meeting," says a silver-haired man I recognize as Howard Jenkins, Morgan Group's CFO. He was once my mentor.

"My son won't disturb us," I reply smoothly. "And I believe our proposal will be compelling enough to hold everyone's attention regardless."

Jenkins raises an eyebrow but says nothing more. I use the moment to survey the room, noting the tension in the executives' postures. The Morgan Group is in trouble—worse than I'd anticipated. Good.

The door opens again, and conversation ceases entirely.

Ethan Knight strides in, and the air seems to electrify. At thirty-five, he's even more impressive than the magazines suggest. Six-foot-two, broad-shouldered, with dark hair showing just a touch of silver at the temples. His tailored navy suit screams wealth and power, but it's his presence that commands the room—an effortless authority that makes everyone sit straighter.

Including me.

I've prepared for this moment for five years, studied his photos, watched his interviews, read every article. But nothing prepared me for the visceral impact of seeing him in person again. Memories flash unbidden—his unconscious form beside me in that hotel room, the confusion and fear as I fled.

And something else—the unmistakable resemblance between this man and my son.

Leo looks up from his game, his blue eyes—Ethan's eyes—widening with interest at the newcomer. I place a protective hand on his shoulder.

"Apologies for the delay," Ethan says, his voice deep and resonant. "Traffic was a nightmare." His gaze sweeps the room, landing briefly on me before moving to Leo with a flicker of surprise.

He takes his seat at the head of the table. "Let's begin. I understand Ascendant Group has a proposal regarding Morgan Industries' Asian division?"

I stand, smoothly transitioning into my presentation. "Thank you, Mr. Knight. As you're aware, Morgan Group's expansion into Asian markets has encountered... difficulties."

A diplomatic understatement. According to my intelligence, the expansion is hemorrhaging money, thanks largely to Cassandra's mismanagement.

I outline Ascendant Group's proposal—a strategic acquisition of Morgan Group's failing Asian division at a price generous enough to save them from bankruptcy but structured to give us controlling interest in their domestic operations within three years.

It's a brilliant plan, if I do say so myself. One that will ultimately return control of my father's company to me while appearing to rescue them from their financial crisis.

Throughout my presentation, I feel Ethan's intense gaze. He's studying me, not just my proposal. I meet his eyes unflinchingly, revealing nothing of our past connection.

When I finish, there's a moment of silence before Jenkins speaks.

"Your offer is... interesting, Ms. Morgan. But I'm curious—Ascendant Group appeared seemingly overnight. Your company has no track record in Asian markets. Why should we trust you with our most valuable assets?"

I smile, having anticipated this question. "Because unlike Morgan Group, we understand the cultural nuances of doing business in Asia. Our team includes former executives from top Asian companies." I slide a folder across the table. "Their credentials speak for themselves."

As the executives review the documents, I notice Ethan's attention has shifted to Leo, who's quietly playing his game. There's a curious expression on his face—something between confusion and déjà vu.

My heart pounds. Does he see the resemblance? Is he connecting the dots?

"Your proposal is compelling," Ethan says finally, drawing his gaze back to me. "But I have concerns about Ascendant's financing. A company your size taking on an acquisition of this magnitude..."

"Our financing is secure," I interrupt smoothly. "We have commitments from three major investment banks." Another folder slides across the table. "The details are confidential, but you'll find the confirmation letters inside."

Ethan's eyebrows rise slightly as he reviews the documents. I've impressed him. Good.

The meeting continues, with questions flying from all sides. I answer each one with practiced ease, demonstrating intimate knowledge of Morgan Group's operations that raises a few suspicious eyebrows. I explain it away as thorough research, but the truth is simpler: I helped build many of these systems before my fall from grace.

Throughout it all, Leo remains perfectly behaved, occasionally glancing up at Ethan with undisguised curiosity. I can't blame him. He's spent his whole life wondering about his father.

As the meeting winds down, Jenkins leans over to whisper something to Ethan, who nods thoughtfully.

"Ms. Morgan," Ethan says, "your proposal merits serious consideration. I'd like to discuss some aspects in more detail. Perhaps over dinner this evening?"

A business dinner with Ethan Knight—alone. It's both exactly what I want and terrifyingly unpredictable.

"I'm afraid my schedule is quite full," I reply coolly. "Perhaps tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow then. My assistant will arrange the details." His eyes flick to Leo. "Will your son be joining us?"

Before I can answer, Leo pipes up. "Can I, Mommy? Please?"

All eyes turn to my son, and I see the moment freeze-frame in Ethan's expression as he truly looks at Leo for the first time. The resemblance is unmistakable—the same blue eyes, the same determined set of the jaw, even the same small dimple in the left cheek when he smiles.

I see the exact moment recognition dawns in Ethan's eyes—not of me, but of himself in my child's face.

"I'm afraid not, sweetheart," I tell Leo gently. "This will be a grown-up dinner."

The meeting concludes with handshakes all around. When Ethan takes my hand, his grip tightens slightly, his eyes boring into mine with new intensity.

"I look forward to our dinner, Ms. Morgan," he says, his voice lower than before. "I believe we have much to discuss."

I maintain my composure, offering a professional smile. "Indeed we do, Mr. Knight."

As we prepare to leave, Leo tugs at my sleeve. "Mommy, I need the bathroom."

Claire offers to show us the way, but Ethan interjects. "I'll take them. I'm heading that direction anyway."

My pulse spikes. This isn't part of my plan—not yet. But refusing would seem odd.

"Thank you," I say, keeping my voice neutral.

We walk in silence down the corridor, Leo between us, looking up at Ethan with undisguised fascination.

"You're very tall," Leo observes.

Ethan chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "I am. And you're very observant."

"Mommy says I notice everything. That's why I'll be a good businessman someday."

"Is that what you want to be?" Ethan asks, genuine interest in his voice.

Leo nods solemnly. "Or a dinosaur scientist. I haven't decided yet."

We reach the restrooms, and I usher Leo inside the men's room, waiting just outside the door. The moment we're alone, Ethan turns to me, his expression intense.

"How old is your son, Ms. Morgan?"

The question hangs between us, loaded with implications. I've prepared for this, rehearsed my response countless times.

"He's five," I answer, meeting his gaze steadily.

"Five," he repeats, his eyes calculating. "Born when?"

"May 15th."

I see him doing the math in his head, counting back nine months from May to August—the month of our encounter.

"His father," Ethan says carefully. "Is he involved in Leo's life?"

"Leo's father isn't aware of his existence," I reply, my voice deliberately cool. "And I prefer to keep it that way."

Before Ethan can respond, the bathroom door swings open and Leo emerges, his hands still damp. "All done!"

Ethan kneels to Leo's level, his expression softening. "It was very nice to meet you, Leo. Maybe next time you can tell me about dinosaurs."

Leo beams. "I know all about T-Rex and Triceratops and Velociraptor and—"

"Leo," I interrupt gently. "We need to go. Thank you for your help, Mr. Knight."

Ethan stands, his eyes never leaving mine. "My pleasure. I'll see you tomorrow evening, Ms. Morgan. Seven o'clock at Lumière?"

"Perfect," I reply, taking Leo's hand.

As we walk toward the elevator, I feel Ethan's gaze burning into my back. The first phase of my plan is complete—I've made contact, presented my business proposal, and planted the seed of suspicion about Leo's paternity.

But Ethan Knight is sharper than I anticipated. He's already connecting the dots, faster than I planned.

In the elevator, Leo looks up at me. "I like him, Mommy. He seems nice."

I stroke his hair, my heart aching for the innocence of his assessment. "Many people seem nice, sweetheart. That doesn't mean they are."

As the elevator descends, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number:

*"DNA test. Tomorrow morning, 9 AM. My office. We both know why. -EK"*

I stare at the message, my carefully constructed plans shifting and reforming. He's moving faster than I expected, taking control of the situation.

I type a single word in response:

*"No."*

His reply comes instantly:

*"Then I withdraw from any business discussions with Ascendant Group."*

My fingers hover over the screen. This is a chess move I didn't anticipate—using the business deal as leverage. But two can play that game.

*"Your loss. Morgan Group needs this deal more than I do. But if a DNA test is your price for saving them from bankruptcy, I'll be there. With my lawyers."*

I slip the phone back into my pocket as the elevator doors open to the lobby. Marcus waits by the entrance, nodding respectfully as we approach.

"How did it go?" he asks quietly as we walk to the car.

"He knows," I reply, helping Leo into the backseat. "Or at least, he suspects."

Marcus's expression remains neutral. "Is that a problem?"

I glance back at the towering glass building, imagining Ethan Knight watching our departure from his office window.

"No," I say finally. "It's just happening faster than I planned."

As our car pulls away from Knight Industries, I feel the first real tremor of doubt. Five years of meticulous planning, and already Ethan Knight has forced me to adapt. He's formidable—perhaps more so than I remembered.

But then, so am I. The naive Olivia Morgan who fled that hotel room in tears no longer exists. In her place stands a woman who has survived hell and returned with one purpose: revenge.

Tomorrow, Ethan Knight will confirm what he already suspects—that Leo is his son. What he doesn't know is that this revelation isn't the end of my plan.

It's only the beginning.