DEVIL IN A SILHOUETTE

Chapter 5: I've heard a lot about you.

The next morning, my bags were packed and ready for the trip to New York. My heart thudded in my chest as I remembered my purpose: I was going back to face the people who had killed me and stolen my fortune. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

Don Julio was waiting for me outside, along with some of the staff.

"Take care,Elizabeth. Make the Alvarez name proud," he said, rubbing my hair affectionately before pulling me into a warm hug. The name Elizabeth sounded strangely comforting coming from him.

"Yes,Godfather," I replied.

The chauffeur opened the rear door for me.I waved goodbye to everyone, feeling a wave of emotion. Don Julio reminded me so much of my father.

Before I knew it, we had arrived at the airport, and I was boarding the plane to New York.

My mind raced with a torrent of thoughts.There was no doubt in my mind that Richard and Jessica had turned the company into their personal bank. I was going to make sure I put an end to their bastardly shenanigans.

---

The flight was smooth, and soon the plane touched down in New York. My private driver was waiting, and he swiftly took my bags. We drove straight to the company headquarters.

As I walked through the familiar glass doors, a hush fell over the main office. One by one, employees rose from their desks, greeting me with respectful nods and smiles. Their deference to the Alvarez name was clear.

Yet, I couldn't miss the subtle glances and whispered exchanges. Some employees studied me with unveiled surprise. The real Elizabeth had been wild and wayward; the woman standing before them now carried herself with a new air of authority and purpose.

I overheard their gossiping whispers. "She's so... different," one murmured. "Is that really Elizabeth?" asked another.

I didn't acknowledge them. I kept walking, my expression neutral and my gaze fixed ahead. I wasn't here for gossip. I was here for revenge.

I settled into the overwhelming grandeur of my new office. It was a corner suite on the top floor, a sweeping space that screamed of power. Sunlight flooded the room through immense floor-to-ceiling windows, framing a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The floor was polished dark marble that reflected the light, and my desk was a vast, monolithic piece of gleaming ebony. Behind it stood a tall leather chair that felt less like furniture and more like a throne.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I said.

The door opened to reveal a young, efficient-looking woman. "Ms. Alvarez? I'm Maya, your new personal assistant. Welcome back."

"Thank you, Maya," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "Please, bring me the company's financial files and all major transaction records for the last five years."

She gave a quick, professional nod and returned shortly with a heavy stack of folders. I spent the next hour poring over them, my fingers tracing the lines of numbers that told a story of betrayal. With each page, my suspicions hardened into cold, hard certainty. The discrepancies were glaring, the transfers bold and arrogant.

Finally, I closed the last folder and looked up at my assistant, my expression a carefully crafted mask of calm. "Maya, please schedule an immediate meeting with Mr. Richard Williams, the CEO of William's enterprises."

It was time to face the man who had stolen my life.

Maya looked slightly confused. "Of course, Ms. Alvarez. I'll reach out to Mr. Williams' secretary immediately. However, I should mention his schedule is extremely demanding."

"I understand," I said, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. "But this meeting is not optional. Ensure it is scheduled for tomorrow. Unfailingly. Tell his secretary it is a matter of utmost importance regarding the company's future."

Maya nodded, though her expression was still uncertain. "I'll try my best, Ms. Alvarez."

"Don't try," I said, a sharp edge to my voice. "Make it happen."

After she left, I leaned back in my chair, the soft leather groaning in protest. The rest of the day was spent plotting, my mind a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies. I would be ready for him.

---

The next morning, I dressed like a queen going to war. My suit was exquisitely tailored, a sharp, powerful shade of crimson, and my hair was pulled back into a severe, elegant chignon. Every detail was calculated to project an image of unshakeable authority. I was bringing my A-game.

A flustered but relieved Maya met me at the office door. "Mr. Williams has agreed to the meeting. He'll be here in half an hour."

A cold smile touched my lips. "Perfect."

When Richard finally walked into my office, I remained seated behind my desk, letting him approach me. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly as he took me in, a slow, predatory grin spreading across his face. He was completely smitten, just as I had intended. I maintained my perfect poise, offering him a cool, calculated smile in return.

This was the man to whom I had been married for five years. The man who had murdered me, stolen my entire fortune, and replaced me with his mistress. A wave of visceral disgust washed over me, but I fixed a steely smile on my face.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Alvarez," he said, his voice slick. He stared at me like I was a prize to be won, his gaze that of a horny beast. "I've heard a great deal about your godfather. He's a very successful businessman."

I rose slowly, extending my hand for a brief, firm handshake. "Well, it's nice to meet you too, Mr. Richard," I said, my voice sweet yet laced with steel. My eyes locked with his, and for a single, electric moment, I let the mask slip just enough for me to see the man I once loved-and the man who killed me-staring back. "I've heard a lot about you, too."