Liam Carter was the CEO of a massive tech conglomerate based in London, and one of the wealthiest businessmen in the United Kingdom.
He had two wives.
Elena Windsor, his first wife — a strong, independent, and successful woman in her own right.
Their marriage wasn't born of love, but forged through an agreement between two powerful families in the worlds of finance and politics. It had been five years since they wed, sealing a high-stakes deal meant to preserve influence and support a massive economic venture.
But only a month into their marriage, Liam married Maria Russo, the woman he had secretly loved for years. A stunning beauty, Maria publicly took the place that Elena never truly held.
From that day on, Liam never spent a single night with Elena.
She lived alone in a grand estate in the upscale Hampstead suburbs, while he resided with Maria in a modern mansion in Kingston Hill.
He had never touched her, never loved her, and only spoke to her when business demanded it.
Their relationship was nothing more than a corporate arrangement, devoid of warmth or connection.
What burdened Elena more than anything was the monthly tradition Liam's family insisted on keeping — the family dinner.
Tonight was one of those nights.
After wrapping up her work at her own company, Elena arrived at the Carter family's palatial estate in Belgravia.
As she entered the grand dining room, her eyes fell instantly on the all-too-familiar scene:
Liam, sitting beside Maria, his arm draped casually around her waist, whispering something into her ear that made her smile bashfully.
Then he looked up, offering Elena a cold, impassive glance — as if she were nothing but a passing acquaintance.
At the far end of the table, however, Lady Victoria Carter, his mother, stood to greet her warmly:
"Oh, darling Elena, you grow more elegant every time I see you!"
Sir Edward Carter, his father, extended a hand with a kind smile and said,
"We're always glad to have you with us. Punctual as ever… and radiant, as always."
Elena took her seat gracefully, lifting her chin in quiet pride, masking every trace of discomfort behind her composed exterior.
Ethan, Liam's middle brother, seemed engrossed in his phone, while Julian, the youngest, lifted his glass toward her with a playful smirk:
"At last, the only mature presence at this table has arrived."
Lady Victoria chuckled softly. Maria shot Julian a glare.
And Liam... said nothing. He stared at Elena for a few seconds longer than necessary before turning back to Maria — as if Elena had never entered the room.
The opening minutes of the dinner passed painfully slow.
Courses were served in sequence, and the conversation hovered around general topics — the economy, upcoming social events, and the latest developments at Liam's company.
Maria laughed a little too loudly, leaned into Liam often, and expressed over-the-top gratitude every time one of his achievements was mentioned.
Elena, calm and composed, ate quietly, never interrupting, never trying to draw attention — but never appearing weak.
Her silence had weight. Her mere presence disrupted the ease of the table… all except one person.
Ethan, seated directly across from her, glanced up occasionally, discreetly.
His gaze wasn't curious — it was watchful.
As if he were waiting for her to break… or perhaps, to finally strike.
Midway through the dinner, he leaned forward slightly and murmured just loud enough for those close by to hear:
"The calm before the storm, isn't it, Elena?"
She met his eyes without a word.
But in her gaze… something had changed. Something unshakable had settled in her.
Before she could reply, Lady Victoria chirped:
"Tell us, when is the grand opening of the Lunex District? Everyone's talking about the project as if it were your love child!"
Elena froze for a moment.
She knew all too well that this project was the only reason she was here — in this family, in this marriage.
She answered coolly, her voice laced with quiet steel:
"We expect the official announcement by the end of the month. Everything is proceeding according to plan… despite a few obstacles."
Maria tilted her head, smiling sweetly:
"Fortunately, Liam is always so good at overcoming obstacles. Isn't that right, darling?"
She giggled, placing a hand on his chest.
Liam didn't laugh.
He didn't even look at Maria.
He stared at Elena instead, and said flatly:
"Some obstacles aren't meant to be avoided… but faced head-on."
His words felt directed at Elena — sharp and deliberate.
She raised a brow, replying calmly:
"I couldn't agree more, Mr. Carter."
A hush fell over the room for a heartbeat.
Julian jumped in to shift the tone, asking:
"By the way, Elena, didn't your firm start a new expansion in Paris?"
She smiled in his direction, grateful for the change, and replied:
"Yes. We secured a license for a commercial complex in La Défense. I expect it to do quite well.
Thankfully… no marriage was required to seal the deal."
Ethan laughed out loud.
Maria bit her lip in frustration.
Lady Victoria covered her chuckle with a cough.
And Liam…
He just stared.
But this time, his look wasn't cold.
It was unsettling.