Just Once

Chapter 3- Sofia

European contract terminated.

The ink felt burning through my skin as I gripped the page. That contract was worth millions—no, more than that. It was a critical piece in expanding Volkov Industries' reach in Europe. It had been months in the making, and suddenly, without warning, the deal was off.

I  glanced up at Victor. "How the hell did this happen?"

He pressed his lips together, his eyes shadowed with concern. "We don't know yet. The investors started pulling out overnight. The company's board cited 'concerns about long-term stability.'"

"Stability?" I slammed the folder shut, anger flaring hot in my chest. Volkov Industries had never been more stable. We were in a period of massive growth, and this kind of fallout made no sense. None of it did. Unless...

My thoughts spun, trying to pinpoint where the first crack had appeared. It wasn't just this deal. Over the last few weeks, I'd noticed small things—partners getting hesitant, whispers of doubt in the markets, and minor delays in transactions. But I had brushed them aside as noise, distractions.

I couldn't pinpoint who was actually behind all of this but a name flooded through my head. 

Zayden Meadows.

I sighed as I glanced back at Victor "Try to find out who was the one planting these doubtful seeds and also find any intel you can on Z"

Victor nods "Is there anything else?"  

I shake my head "No, that's it. You can leave now."

As the door clicked shut behind Victor, I took a long, measured breath, letting the anger simmer into something cold, and controlled. Zayden Meadows—why did it have to be him? He and I had no history to begin a war over so why? Why would he try to pry on my business?

I pushed back from my desk, staring at the skyline, the city lights flickering against the night. They felt distant, almost mocking, as if they knew I was teetering on the edge of something I couldn't control. Losing that contract was a blow, but I wouldn't let it knock me off balance.

"Think," I muttered to myself, leaning back and clasping my hands behind my head. If Zayden was involved, this was more than just business. He'd always been calculating, planting doubt and mistrust with surgical precision. I had no doubt he was the one pulling strings in the shadows, undermining my alliances, and spreading whispers of instability. And the worst part? He was good at it. Too good.

But two could play at that game.

I picked up the phone and dialed a number I hadn't used in a while. It rang twice before I heard a low, familiar voice answer on the other end.

"Lucian," I said, my voice steady, "I have a job for you."

There was a pause, then a faint chuckle. "Well, well, it's been a while since I've heard from you."

"Consider this a favor, but one that will pay well. I need information on Zayden Meadows. Whatever strings he's been pulling, I want to know them all. Every move he's made over the past few months."

Another pause, but this time Lucian sounded interested. "Meadows, huh? That's a high-profile target. He's been rather elusive lately."

"Then find a way to get close. Someone's feeding him information—find out who. And Lucian, be discreet."

"You know I will," he replied with confidence. "I'll be in touch soon."

As I set the phone down, the feeling of helplessness began to fade, replaced by a sharp, clear sense of purpose. Zayden could play his games, but he'd forgotten one thing—he wasn't the only one with connections.

I stood, smoothing the creases from my suit, and headed toward the window, watching as the city hummed below. This was my territory, my domain, and no one would take it from me. Whatever Zayden had planned, I'd be ready for it.

After a moment, I turned back to my desk, picking up the contract that had started this mess. The ink no longer felt like it was burning, but the fire inside me was still very much alive.

"Let's see who breaks first, Meadows.