Reborn as his captivating wife

At the Stratus Innovations headquarters, Elena strode confidently into the executive conference room, Sofia Lin trailing just behind with neatly arranged documents. The air was tense. The recent market waves caused by Winstone and now the Foxcroft alliance had sent minor tremors through the company, but Elena's sharp decisions kept panic at bay.

"Madam, the preliminary analysis you requested," Sofia said softly, placing the files before Elena.

Elena flipped through the reports. "Good, Sofia. Send a message to the research team—I want the prototype expedited. If we're launching this product, it needs to happen before the quarter ends."

"Yes, Madam."

As the meeting continued, Elena outlined a bold, aggressive market offensive—one that would not only defend Stratus but turn it into an industry leader. The executives, who once doubted her, now listened with focused respect.

—

Across town, Sebastian met with key Hart Enterprises directors. The company's core investments were being targeted through political lobbying, courtesy of Foxcroft's silent backers.

Sebastian's voice cut through the room. "Contact Senator Howard, pull our favors. Any politician thinking of interfering will regret it. And as for Devon Grant… freeze his peripheral assets. Starve him before he can even play."

Mason smirked. "I've already started the freeze orders."

As the room cleared, Sebastian leaned back, his mind involuntarily drifting toward Elena. She was outmaneuvering seasoned businessmen, standing her ground, and forcing the city's elite to recognize her.

Something inside him twisted—part pride, part… something more complicated.

—

That evening, Elena returned home late, expecting silence but finding Sebastian waiting in the living room, two wine glasses on the table. This time, she didn't hesitate. She sat beside him, their conversation flowing more easily.

Sebastian didn't mention the kiss, but the air between them simmered with tension. They spoke of business, power plays, and strategies—but beneath the words, something unspoken began to weave itself between them.

Enemies gathered in the shadows. New alliances were being formed. But inside the Hart mansion… two hearts that once rejected each other were beginning to lean closer.

____

The following day

Elena stood by the wide office windows of Stratus Innovations, her phone pressed to her ear while Sofia Lin updated her on a new development.

"Madam, we've received confirmation. Foxcroft's board authorized a discreet acquisition attempt through a shell company in the coastal district," Sofia said, her voice tense but controlled.

Elena's eyes narrowed. "They're getting more aggressive. Forward me the details. Schedule a meeting with our investment partners immediately. It's time we build a stronger front before they gain any footing."

"Understood."

After the call, Elena's fingers tapped against the glass thoughtfully. Foxcroft was no longer throwing subtle jabs—they were openly moving to corner her company.

But she wasn't alone.

Later that afternoon, Sebastian's message came through, short and direct:

> "Dinner. Tonight. Mansion. 7PM. Need to update you on something."

Despite the brevity, Elena sensed more than just business urgency in his words.

—

At the Hart mansion, the evening air was filled with the aroma of a home-cooked meal—Sebastian had requested the chefs prepare Elena's favorites. She arrived right on time, surprised to see a soft setup by the patio, lantern lights swinging gently in the breeze.

Sebastian waited, jacket off, sleeves rolled, unusually relaxed.

Elena sat, slightly amused. "What's this? A celebration?"

Sebastian served her a glass of red wine. "A tactical dinner."

Over the meal, they exchanged confidential updates. Sebastian revealed how Hart Enterprises had crippled Devon Grant's silent investors while Elena briefed him on Stratus's countermeasures.

Yet amidst the power talks, their conversation kept veering toward personal matters—Sebastian asking about Elena's stress, Elena inquiring about Sebastian's childhood memories. The cracks in their professional barrier deepened, revealing glimpses of something softer.

By the end of dinner, Sebastian walked Elena to the main hallway. Their eyes met, a familiar warmth settling between them.

"I didn't expect to admire you this much," Sebastian admitted quietly.

Elena's smile was brief but genuine. "Likewise."

And though no words were spoken, both understood their alliance was no longer just strategic.