The email from the mysterious sender replayed in my mind, its words echoing like a bell.

"You're running out of time, Mrs.Williams ".

Those words brought more fear in my heart as I stared out of the window of my office.

The Ray of the morning sun was in my office, but I barely noticed it. Everything felt static, mute and distant. My mind was occupied with the scary truth I had uncovered.

Project Titan wasn't just a business deal, it was a weapon, one that could destroy my family's legacy and leave me with nothing but memories.

The documents I received that night felt like it was a bomb in my desk drawer , waiting for the perfect time to explode. I had barely slept. Project Titan wasn't just a take over, it was a dangerous one. If Oxford succeeds, everything I had worked so much for would be gone, my father's company, my father's name , all of it swallowed by Oxford’s empire.

I was no longer fighting to be CEO. I was now fighting for the company’s survival.

The sounds of footsteps interrupted my thoughts.

"Emily," I heard Oxford’s voice as he entered my office . His presence filled the room instantly, his suit perfect, his expression calm but firm.

I didn't look at him. My hands held the desk in front of me tightly as I tried to maintain my composure. "What is it? And how did you even get in here?

"Well can't I surprise my wife at the office" he laughed slightly, his voice filled with mockery.

"Well, you seemed.... distracted this morning," he said, moving closer to me. "Is everything alright?"

I could hear the amusement in his voice. He knew something was off, but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing exactly what.

"Nothing.... just thinking"

He laughed slightly. "About me, I hope?"

I finally looked at him, letting the slightest bit of my annoyance show. "Hardly."

"Shame," he said . "It's not everyday a woman gets to marry someone like me."

His arrogance was a whole lot, but I refused to let him see how much it affected me. "You were right, you know." I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms. "I'm playing my part."

Oxford raised his brows, his expression confused. "And your part is?"

"Being your dutiful wife," I said, my voice filled with sarcasm. "The one who smiles at the galas and plays nice in front of the cameras while her husband steals everything she holds dear."

For a moment, his smile lessened Just then, the slightest shift, barely noticeable. But it was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Had I hit a nerve?

Not so long after, his expression turned back into a frown. "Careful, Emily. You don't want to test me"

I looked straight into his eyes. "We're not in high school anymore. I'm not afraid of you, Oxford."

"Don't test me. I'll always win, and you know that." He replied.

He turned and walked out of the office without another word. Leaving me alone in my thoughts. My heart beat faster.

Oxford was a deluded man, but I knew something he was right about. He always won, I didn't admit it much but Oxford always won. But that didn't mean it would give up.

*******

The gala that evening was at a lavish downtown hotel, an event so high profiled that every step we took was watched, everything gesture analysed.

I had been prepared for the dispatch of wealth, the fakeness of it all, but nothing could have prepared me for Oxford's hand on my back as he led me into the hall.

As soon as we entered, I could feel the eyes of everyone on me, the glances, the whispers . We were the perfect power couple. Or at least, that was how they saw us.

Oxford held my arm tightly as we moved through the crowd. "Smile" he whispered in my ear. "You're not just here as my wife. You're here as a symbol. You're Davis Enterprises' hope.

I didn't respond, too focused on keeping up the act. I had to keep my emotions in check. But it wasn't easy when the man by my side had all the answers, all the power and had everything figured out.

As we interacted, I found myself exchanging pleasantries with some of my father's colleagues, men who had once praised my ambition, now treating me like a piece of property. Oxford was always at my side, he didn't let me out of his sight for even a moment.

But something about tonight felt off. Something more than just the irritation I got from Oxford’s aura, there was tension in the air, one I couldn't ignore.

After what felt like hours of small talk and fake smiles, Oxford finally excused himself. "I'll be back in a moment," he said. "Don't go anywhere."

I watched him disappear into the crowd, but I still felt uneasy. Was I being paranoid, or was something more going on?

I excused myself from the conversation I was in and walked towards the balcony. It was quiet here, away from the fake smiles and consistent chatter. But that silence was soon interrupted.

"Emily."

I turned to see Margaret Carlisle, one of my father's oldest allies.

"M-margaret." I stammered a little. She was the last person I expected to find here, but I had to admit, I was happy I did. If anyone could help me understand what was really happening, it was her.

"We need to talk," she whispered as she approached me.

I frowned. "Now?"

She nodded, her face filled with worry. "Yes, follow me."

Margaret led me down a narrow corridor, away from the gala. I followed behind her in silence, my heart beating faster in fear and anticipation. What did she want to talk about? What did she know that I didn't?

Finally, we arrived at a secret lounge. She closed the door behind us, and faced me. "You're in danger Emily. Not just from Oxford, but from everyone around you."

I took a step back, my heart racing . "What are you talking about?"

Margaret looked around once more before speaking. "Your father Emily. He's not just working with Oxford to merge the companies, he's involved in Project Titan. But it's bigger than you think.".

"What does that mean?" I asked, confused.

"It means if Oxford succeeds, Davis Enterprises will be completely absorbed with Williams Conglomerate. And you, your role in this is just a pawn in his game."

My head ached instantly. "No. That can't be true."

"It is," she said quietly. "I don't know the details, but I know enough to tell you this, Oxford isn't just after the company, he's after you. Everything you've worked for, everything you've built will disappear. And if you don't fight back soon, it'd be too late."

I stood there, her words echoing in my head. I had to act. But how?

Before I could ask more questions, Margaret stepped back. "You need to be careful who you trust. Not everyone in your inner circle is on your side."

Her words made me think even more, leaving me with more questions than answers

*********

When I returned to the mansion that night, my mind was a mix of thoughts and fears. Was Margaret right? Was I really just a pawn in a game much bigger than I knew of?

I went to my room, locked the door behind me and pulled out the documents once again. The plans were just so perfect . But with every new piece of information, it grew more complicated .

The knock on the door startled me again.

"Who is it?" I called out.

"It's Joyce"

I opened the door , and she stepped in , her expression pale. She looked over my shoulder as she whispered. "We need to talk".

I frowned. "What is it?"

Joyce took a deep breath before she finally spoke. "I know about Project Titan. "

"What do you mean?" I replied.

"Don't get mad at me, I've been working for Oxford for years " Joyce admitted. "And I know things. Things that could change everything for you.”