The moment the jet touched down in Zurich, Zara felt the familiar rush of adrenaline that accompanied any mission. This was no longer about the revenge she had been plotting for years—it was about something bigger, something darker. Lucien Vale had walked into her life, dragging her into a world of power, shadows, and calculated moves. Every step she took now carried weight, consequences that would echo through her future.
As they disembarked, the cold Zurich air hit her, sharp and crisp. Lucien, as composed as ever, led the way through the hangar, his tall figure exuding confidence. His black overcoat fluttered slightly in the wind, a perfect contrast to the darkened sky above.
"You'll need to stay close," he said, his voice low, but with an edge of warning. "This place isn't like the cities you're used to."
Zara didn't respond immediately. She had learned early on not to ask too many questions, but now, standing in the heart of Lucien's world, she felt the need to press.
"What's the real objective here?" she asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings. His security team was already in place, forming a perimeter around the private hangar.
Lucien glanced at her, and for a brief moment, she saw the flicker of something behind his eyes—calculation, maybe even admiration. Then it was gone, replaced by his usual impassive mask.
"To strike where it hurts most," he replied, his tone unyielding. "There are key players here. Allies. And enemies. We have to expose both before we can move forward."
Zara nodded. She was ready. This was the next step—the first real step. The war was no longer just her father's legacy; it was Lucien's as well.
The car ride into the city was uneventful, but Zara noticed Lucien's restlessness. Every few minutes, his gaze flickered to his phone, his fingers moving quickly over the screen. She didn't ask what he was doing. She knew better. Instead, she turned her attention to the city outside—the sprawling skyline, the heavy presence of wealth that lingered in the air.
When they arrived at the towering corporate building where Lucien's meetings were scheduled, Zara couldn't help but marvel at the cold precision of it all. Glass walls, steel frames. Everything was calculated, every detail part of the bigger picture. And just like Lucien, the building stood tall, unyielding to the world around it.
"You'll wait in the lounge," Lucien said as he glanced over at her before stepping out of the car. "I'll be back soon."
The moment he was gone, Zara moved with purpose. She didn't wait. She couldn't. This was her chance to gather information, to learn more about her enemies and the web Lucien had wrapped himself in. The lounge was a glass-walled space with modern furniture—expensive, sleek, and entirely uninviting. She sat, but only for a moment. Then, her eyes scanned the room.
She didn't know who she was looking for, but she knew that someone in this building would have something valuable to her mission.
The sound of footsteps behind her caught her attention, and she turned to see a woman entering the lounge. She was tall, elegant, and dressed in a black suit that screamed authority. Her platinum blonde hair was pulled back in a tight, no-nonsense bun. She exuded power, and something about the woman felt familiar. Zara's instincts screamed at her that this was someone important.
"Ms. Winters?" the woman asked, her voice sharp, calculating. "Lucien Vale's new protégée?"
Zara stood and extended a hand. "That's me. And you are?"
The woman's lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Celeste Myles. I manage most of Lucien's public-facing operations. I'm surprised you're not in his meeting. Then again, perhaps he's keeping you in the background for a reason."
Zara didn't miss the implication in her words. She understood the game. Celeste was sizing her up, just as Lucien had done. And just like with Lucien, Zara wasn't going to let her show any weakness.
"I don't mind the background," Zara replied coolly. "It's where all the real work happens."
Celeste chuckled softly, clearly amused by Zara's confidence. "We'll see how long you last in the shadows. Lucien's world isn't one for weaklings."
Before Zara could respond, the door opened, and a man in his late forties entered—a sharp, graying figure with a presence that demanded attention. His tailored suit was impeccably pressed, and his eyes gleamed with calculating intelligence.
"Ah, Celeste," the man greeted, his voice like velvet. "And who's this? The infamous Zara Winters, I presume?"
Zara didn't flinch. She had spent years hiding behind the shadows of her former identity, but today, she was Zara Winters in every sense. "That's me," she said with a measured smile. "And you are?"
"Stefan Krieger," the man replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Lucien's business partner. And from what I've heard, someone who doesn't take kindly to being underestimated."
Zara met his gaze without flinching. "I don't take kindly to being underestimated either."
Celeste's expression shifted, her sharp eyes analyzing Zara with renewed interest. Stefan's smile widened slightly, as though he appreciated the challenge she presented. But both of them knew that this was no ordinary introduction. Zara was not just here to play games—she was here to win.