Cracks in the Armor

Episode 7: Cracks in the Armor

[Scene: Everhart Corp’s boardroom. Liana is presenting at a meeting with her executives, her commanding presence keeping everyone focused.]

Liana: [calmly] “As you can see, our quarterly projections indicate significant growth in the technology sector. I want these numbers to be doubled by the next quarter. Questions?”

The room is silent. No one dares challenge her.

Liana: [standing] “Good. Meeting adjourned.”

As the executives leave, Noah enters, a laptop in his hand.

Noah: [smirking] “You have a talent for making grown men sweat.”

Liana: [smiling faintly] “It’s not talent, Noah. It’s necessity.”

Noah: [placing the laptop on her desk] “The leak is ready. Once we hit send, Alex and Rowena’s charity scam will be public knowledge.”

Liana: [nodding] “Do it.”

[Scene shifts: Damian’s office at Blackwood Enterprises. He’s on a call with Adrian and Ethan.]

Adrian: [through the speakerphone] “The press will eat this up. Are you sure it’s enough to shake Alex?”

Damian: [smirking] “It’s not about shaking him. It’s about making him paranoid. He’ll start covering his tracks, which means he’ll slip. That’s when we move in.”

Ethan: [cautiously] “And Liana? How’s she handling all this?”

Damian: [leaning back in his chair] “She’s colder than I expected. I underestimated her.”

Adrian: [chuckling] “Sounds like someone’s impressed.”

Damian: [with a faint smile] “Maybe. But don’t tell her that.”

[Scene shifts: Rowena’s apartment. She’s pacing, her phone in hand, scrolling through the news.]

News Headline: “Everhart Heiress Under Fire: Shocking Allegations Against Rowena’s Charity!”

Rowena: [furiously dialing Alex] “Alex, have you seen this?”

Alex (on phone): [annoyed] “Of course I’ve seen it! I’m handling it.”

Rowena: [snapping] “Handling it? This will ruin me! You said no one could trace the money!”

Alex: [gritting his teeth] “Calm down. The accounts are secure. This is just a smear campaign.”

Rowena: [lowering her voice] “What if it’s Liana? What if she knows?”

Alex: [pausing] “She doesn’t. She’s not smart enough to pull this off.”

Rowena’s face hardens, doubt creeping into her expression.

[Scene shifts: A luxurious spa. Vivienne and Serena are lounging by the pool. Liana joins them, looking effortlessly elegant.]

Vivienne: [grinning] “You’re late. Big corporate things keeping you busy?”

Liana: [sitting down] “Something like that.”

Serena: [smirking] “I saw the news about Rowena’s charity. That wasn’t a coincidence, was it?”

Liana: [innocently] “What makes you think I had anything to do with it?”

Vivienne: [laughing] “Oh, please. We know you, Liana. That’s exactly your style—quiet, calculated chaos.”

Serena: [leaning closer] “So, what’s next?”

Liana: [smiling faintly] “That depends on how Rowena reacts. She’s predictable when she’s cornered.”

[Scene shifts: Damian and Liana meet in a private lounge that evening. They sit across from each other, drinks in hand.]

Damian: [studying her] “You’ve been busy.”

Liana: [shrugging] “You wanted results. I delivered.”

Damian: [smirking] “Efficient. But you’ve also painted a target on your back. Rowena won’t let this slide.”

Liana: [calmly] “Let her come. I’m ready.”

Damian: [leaning forward] “Confidence looks good on you, Liana. But don’t let it blind you.”

Liana: [meeting his gaze] “I don’t get blinded, Damian. Not anymore.”

[Scene shifts: Rowena and Eleanor confront Liana at the Everhart mansion.]

Rowena: [furiously] “You think I don’t know it was you? That charity scandal—it has your name written all over it!”

Liana: [calmly sipping tea] “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Eleanor: [sternly] “Don’t play coy, Liana. Whatever game you’re playing, it ends now.”

Liana: [standing and stepping closer to them] “You want to know what game I’m playing? Fine. I’m playing the game of survival, something neither of you ever thought I’d learn.”

Rowena: [mocking] “Survival? Don’t make me laugh. You’re nothing without this family.”

Liana: [smiling coldly] “We’ll see about that.”

Liana walks away, leaving Rowena and Eleanor fuming.

[Final scene: Damian is in his penthouse, watching the city lights when he gets a text from Liana.]

Liana (text): “They’re angry. Let’s push harder.”

Damian smirks as he types back.

Damian (text): “Tomorrow. Be ready.”

The screen fades as Damian’s smirk turns into a determined look.

To be continued...

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