A Test of Trust

Episode 5: A Test of Trust

[Scene: A sleek, high-end restaurant. Liana arrives, her sharp heels clicking against the marble floor. Damian is already seated at a private table in a quiet corner.]

Damian: [looking up as she approaches] “Punctual. I like that.”

Liana: [sitting down calmly] “I don’t waste time, Mr. Blackwood. You said you had something for me.”

Damian: [smirking] “Straight to business. Very well.”

He slides a thin folder across the table. Liana opens it, her eyes scanning the contents quickly.

Liana: [narrowing her eyes] “Offshore accounts... all under Alex’s name. Interesting. Where did you get this?”

Damian: [leaning back] “I have my sources. Let’s just say Alex has been skimming money from Blackwood Enterprises for years. He thinks he’s untouchable.”

Liana: [smiling faintly] “Not for long.”

Damian: [raising an eyebrow] “And what’s your plan, exactly?”

Liana: [closing the folder] “Expose him. Slowly. Let the cracks in his reputation grow until he’s scrambling to hold it together. Then, when he’s vulnerable... I’ll strike.”

Damian: [smirking, impressed] “You’re colder than I thought.”

Liana: [meeting his gaze] “I learned from the best. Betrayal has a way of sharpening your edges.”

[Scene shifts: Later that night, Liana returns to the Everhart mansion. Eleanor is waiting for her in the foyer, her arms crossed.]

Eleanor: [sternly] “Liana, where have you been?”

Liana: [calmly] “Out. Do I need your permission now?”

Eleanor: [narrowing her eyes] “You’re acting out of line lately. Your father might tolerate it, but I won’t.”

Liana: [smiling coldly] “Then it’s a good thing your opinion doesn’t matter, isn’t it?”

Eleanor’s face twists with anger, but Liana brushes past her, heading upstairs with the folder safely tucked under her arm.

[Scene shifts: In Damian’s penthouse, he speaks with his other best friend, Adrian.]

Adrian: [pacing] “You’re really trusting her? The Everhart girl?”

Damian: [sipping a glass of whiskey] “Trust is a strong word. Let’s just say I’m giving her enough rope to prove herself—or hang herself.”

Adrian: [sighing] “I don’t like it. If she turns on you—”

Damian: [interrupting] “She won’t. She hates Alex and Rowena as much as I do. For now, that’s enough.”

[Scene shifts: Liana meets with Vivienne and another of her best friends, Serena, at an upscale café.]

Vivienne: [curiously] “So, what’s the deal with you and Damian Blackwood? I saw you leaving that restaurant together.”

Serena: [raising an eyebrow] “Wait—what? You’re meeting Damian Blackwood? Spill!”

Liana: [chuckling lightly] “It’s not what you think. It’s business.”

Vivienne: [smirking] “Uh-huh. Sure, it is.”

Liana: [shrugging] “Believe what you want. Just know that I’m finally doing what I should’ve done a long time ago—taking control.”

Serena: [leaning in] “Whatever it is, we’re here for you. Just don’t forget that.”

Liana: [smiling faintly] “I won’t. Trust me.”

[Scene shifts: Rowena meets with Alex in his penthouse.]

Rowena: [annoyed] “Something’s off with Liana. She’s been too quiet.”

Alex: [pouring himself a drink] “You worry too much. She’s harmless.”

Rowena: [snapping] “You’ve said that before, and I don’t believe it anymore. She’s plotting something, Alex. We need to act before she does.”

Alex: [rolling his eyes] “Fine. What do you suggest?”

Rowena: [smiling deviously] “Let’s just say it’s time Liana learned her place.”

[Scene shifts: Liana’s room. She’s on the phone with Damian.]

Damian: [calmly] “Alex and Rowena are restless. They’ll come after you soon.”

Liana: [smiling slightly] “Let them try. I’m ready for them.”

Damian: [chuckling] “You’re more confident than most people I work with.”

Liana: [smirking] “That’s because I’m not afraid of them—or you.”

There’s a pause on the line, both of them sensing the growing tension between them.

Damian: [softly] “Careful, Liana. Confidence can be a double-edged sword.”

Liana: [smiling to herself] “Good thing I know how to wield it.”

*[Scene ends with Liana standing by her window, looking out at the city, while Damian sits in his office, staring at her number on his phone. Both are thinking the same thing: This is only the beginning.]

To be continued...

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