No One Else
1185 Words
Alexander sat in a dim room, his laptop open, reviewing the files he had just sent through secure channels. Everything was in motion, and now it was a waiting game. He had learned that battles aren't always fought with guns—sometimes, the most effective ones are fought with information and planning. And in this battle, Dorian Blackwood didn’t even know he was losing.
"Step one," Alexander muttered, watching as news of Dorian’s illegal activities broke. He had carefully planned the leak, revealing just enough to create a buzz without giving everything away. The details—corruption, money laundering, and ties to organized crime—were enough to shake things up.
"Keep him busy. Make him spread himself too thin," Alexander said, already planning his next move.
As expected, the media jumped on the story. Articles started popping up, and soon, the Blackwood name was trending for all the wrong reasons. Dorian’s PR team would be working hard to spin the story, but Alexander knew it wouldn’t be enough. The more Dorian tried to defend himself, the guiltier he’d look. Every denial would bring more attention, and Alexander was ready to keep adding fuel to the fire.
Victoria entered the room, looking pale but determined. She had seen the reports.
"Alexander," she said, her voice tense, "it’s everywhere. People are starting to question the Blackwood family’s business."
Alexander leaned back, a faint smile on his face. "Good. That’s what we want. The more pressure we put on him, the more desperate he’ll get. Desperation leads to mistakes."
Victoria frowned. "But what if he fights back with violence? Alex..."
"I know," Alexander replied, walking over to her. "But he’s not as dangerous when he’s defending himself. Right now, his attention is split between saving his image and hiding his crimes. Every move he makes will only reveal more of his weak spots."
Victoria studied his face, still worried but trusting him. "I just... don’t want you to underestimate him."
"I won’t," Alexander assured her. "I’ve faced bigger threats than Dorian Blackwood. This is just the start."
Victoria nodded, taking a deep breath. "What’s next?"
"We keep pushing. The leaks will keep coming, each one worse than the last. By the time he realizes what’s happening, it’ll be too late. His reputation will be destroyed, and his allies will abandon him."
Victoria looked at the laptop, where the latest news story was still on display. "What about us? What if they start looking into you?"
Alexander’s face grew serious, but his voice stayed calm. "That’s why we have to stay ahead. I’ve covered my tracks. For now, they don’t know who I am. I’m still invisible, and I plan to stay that way until the right moment."
Victoria sighed, feeling the weight of their risky plan. But she trusted Alexander. He was taking down the empire that had tried to ruin her.
"Okay," she said quietly. "I’m with you."
Alexander nodded. "Good. We’ll need all the help we can get."
Just then, his phone buzzed. He checked the message from his military contact. Dorian was already panicking, moving money around and trying to cover his tracks. But it was too late. The authorities were already watching, thanks to Alexander.
He handed the phone to Victoria, showing her the message. "This is what happens when you hit them where it hurts. He’s trying to hide his money, but he’s making mistakes. The authorities will seize more than he expects."
Victoria looked at the phone, then back at Alexander. "How long until Dorian fights back?"
Alexander’s gaze was steady. "Not long. But we’ll be ready."
He turned back to his laptop, preparing the next leak. Each one would chip away at Dorian’s power, pushing him closer to the edge. The Blackwood family was about to face their downfall, and Alexander would make sure they had nowhere to run.
***
Victoria walked into the ballroom, holding her head high. The chandeliers cast a warm light over the room filled with elites, some of whom had gossiped about her just days earlier.
But tonight, she was done hiding. With her partnership with Isabella and the backing of her powerful family, Victoria knew she couldn’t afford to stay out of the spotlight any longer.
She moved with purpose through the crowd. People stared—some curious, others judgmental—but she didn’t let it bother her. Despite the rumors, her business was thriving, and tonight was her chance to show the truth.
Isabella had advised her to be more visible in the business world, and Victoria embraced the challenge. In the past week, she’d attended key meetings, ignoring criticism about her personal life and proving her worth with every successful deal.
At the center of the room, Isabella was waiting with a smile. Dressed elegantly, she radiated authority. They exchanged a brief nod, understanding they were in this together.
"Victoria," Isabella greeted, handing her a glass of champagne. "You look amazing. The rumors haven’t dimmed your shine at all."
Victoria smiled. "Thank you, Isabella. I’m not here to fade away. If they think gossip can take me down, they’re wrong."
Isabella chuckled. "That’s the attitude. But remember, business is a battlefield. Confidence is good, but you need to show them your strength and make them fear your success."
Victoria nodded. She had spent too long being afraid of what people thought.
"I plan to," she said. "I’ve learned from the best."
Just then, Robert Kensington, a powerful businessman known for his ruthless ways, approached them. He had been vocal about questioning Victoria’s credibility, but she was ready for him tonight.
"Victoria Hale," Kensington said with a smug tone, "I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately. I hope the rumors haven’t distracted you from business."
Victoria met his gaze confidently. "Not at all, Mr. Kensington. In fact, they’ve pushed me to work harder. I’ve just partnered with the Lancastriels on a new venture that should be very profitable."
Kensington looked surprised, glancing at Isabella. "The Lancastriels? Impressive. But surely, you know how much reputation matters. The whispers about you could have an impact."
Victoria smiled calmly. "Reputation is built by actions, not rumors. My business speaks for itself, and those who recognize value will see that. As for the rumors, they won’t last once people see the results."
Kensington was taken aback by her confidence. Isabella nodded approvingly.
"Well," Kensington said, clearing his throat, "time will tell. I’ll be watching what you and the Lancastriels do next."
He gave a nod and walked away.
"That was perfect," Isabella said quietly. "You stood your ground and handled him well."
Victoria exhaled, feeling relieved. "People like him try to intimidate others. I’m not letting them have that power over me anymore."
"Good," Isabella said. "This is just the beginning. There will be more challenges and more people trying to discredit you. But sadly, they won’t win against us."
"Thank you, Isabella," Victoria said, her eyes glistening with tears. "For everything."
Isabella just grinned. "Well, I only do what I’m supposed to do," she replied. "All thanks should go to Alexander, and no one else."
- Writer
