Broken

The prologue

Fatima Wilson sat behind her massive mahogany desk, the sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office. The room was a testament to her success: modern art adorned the walls, and the sleek furniture spoke of power and sophistication. It was a busy day, as usual. Her phone buzzed constantly, emails poured in, and her team scurried about, each member knowing exactly what their boss expected of them.

Fatima's eyes scanned the latest project plans laid out before her. Her company was on the brink of securing the final permits for a new high-end residential complex, and nothing was going to stand in her way. She leaned back in her chair, contemplating her next move, when her office door swung open.

"Fatima, we need to talk," Daniel, her publicist, announced as he strode into the room. He was a sharp-dressed man in his early thirties, always exuding an air of urgency.

"Good morning to you too, Daniel," Fatima replied, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "What's the crisis this time?"

Daniel took a seat across from her, placing a folder on her desk. "It's about the media coverage for the Taylor Heights acquisition. There are rumors swirling around about the legality of our methods."

Fatima raised an eyebrow. "Rumors, huh? Well, we both know how to handle those. What's the real issue?"

Daniel leaned forward, lowering his voice. "The issue is that someone from within might be leaking information. We've kept things airtight, but somehow the press is getting wind of our tactics."

Fatima's expression hardened. "Find out who it is and deal with them. I don't care what it takes. We can't afford any loose ends."

Daniel nodded, knowing better than to question her. "I'll handle it. In the meantime, we need to get ahead of this story. I'm thinking an exclusive interview where you highlight the community benefits of the project."

Fatima smirked. "Spinning it to make me the hero, huh? I like it. Set it up. And make sure the narrative stays controlled."

As Daniel made a note on his tablet, the door opened again, and Brandon, her lawyer, walked in. Brandon was tall, with a sharp jawline and piercing hazel eyes that always seemed to be analyzing everyone and everything around him. He closed the door behind him, his gaze lingering on Fatima for a moment longer than necessary.

"Morning, Fatima," he greeted her, his voice smooth and confident. "We have a situation."

Fatima sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Of course we do. What is it now, Brandon?"

Brandon took a seat beside Daniel, placing a thick legal file on her desk. "Mr. Taylor from Taylor Heights is suing us for trying to take over his apartment buildings. He's alleging that we're using illegal methods to pressure him into selling."

Fatima rolled her eyes. "Typical. These small-time landlords think they can stand in my way. What's our next move?"

Brandon's eyes glinted with a mix of ambition and something more personal as he watched her. "If I may suggest, we could fight this in court and drag it out, or we could... handle it more discreetly."

Fatima's lips curled into a sly smile. "You mean bribe whoever we need to, like always."

Brandon nodded, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "Exactly. We have the resources, and you have the influence. We just need to find the right people to persuade."

Fatima glanced at Daniel, who gave a subtle nod. "Fine. Do whatever it takes. If I have to pay off the law, so be it. But that building will be mine."

As Brandon and Daniel discussed the logistics, Fatima's phone buzzed. She picked it up, glancing at the screen. It was a message from Jose, her right-hand man. He was her enforcer, the one who made sure her orders were carried out without question.