The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 240: Ch : Back to the right place- Part 2

Heera’s smile faltered, her confidence shaken as Ethan’s rejection echoed in her mind.

She had expected resistance, maybe a bit of playful banter, but Ethan’s words had been cold and final.

His glance toward Selene hadn’t gone unnoticed either. Heera’s sharp instincts picked up on it immediately.

’So, that’s how it is...’

A bitter taste filled her mouth as she realized Ethan’s heart was already set.

He wasn’t interested in her. He never would be.

His loyalty, his devotion—everything—was focused on Selene.

Jealousy flared in Heera’s chest, dark and consuming.

’What if Selene wasn’t in the picture?’

The thought came unbidden, and for a moment, Heera’s mind wandered to dangerous places.

She could hire someone. Accidents happened all the time.

But before the thought could take root, a chill ran down her spine.

When Heera glanced up, her blood froze. Ethan was looking at her.

No words were spoken, but the warning in his eyes was clear.

’Don’t.’

It was as if he had read her mind. His gaze was piercing, unwavering, and filled with unspoken threat.

If Heera so much as entertained the thought of harming Selene, Ethan wouldn’t hesitate.

Heera’s breath hitched. The weight of his gaze crushed any lingering ideas she had.

’Not worth it.’

She quickly averted her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I...I don’t feel safe traveling alone."

Heera’s voice was quieter now, her bravado completely gone. She glanced at Selene and Ethan, her tone almost pleading.

"Will you two come with me? I have a meeting. It’s... important."

Selene exchanged a glance with Ethan, who gave a barely perceptible nod.

"Alright. We’ll go with you."

Selene said softly.

Their next task was to accompany Heera to the XXX company’s meeting.

"...in her absence, I’ll take responsibility. It’s only right."

The voice was familiar—Heera’s step-brother, Louise.

Selene’s jaw tightened. She didn’t need to hear more to know what was happening. Louise was making his move.

"He’s declaring himself the heir."

Selene murmured softly, her eyes narrowing.

Heera’s face paled.

"What?"

"Your step-brother. He’s claiming the company now that you’ve been... out of the picture."

Selene confirmed, her voice low but steady.

Heera’s hands clenched at her sides.

"That snake!"

She hissed.

Selene met her gaze, her expression serious.

"Brace yourself. You’re about to walk into a battle."

Heera swallowed hard but gave a determined nod.

"I’m ready."

As they approached the main doors, the guard standing at the entrance looked stunned to see Heera. His eyes widened in shock.

"Miss Heera?"

His voice trembled with uncertainty.

"I’m here for the meeting."

Heera said firmly, her voice laced with authority.

"B-but...You’ve been gone for—"

The guard stepped in her path, clearly unsure of what to do.

"I don’t have time for this"

Heera snapped, her patience thin. She pushed past him, leaving no room for argument.

Selene and Ethan followed close behind, their presence adding weight to her authority.

The moment Heera stepped into the boardroom, the air shifted.

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as all eyes turned to her.

Gasps echoed through the room as shock rippled across the faces of the council members.

But the two most stunned faces belonged to Louise and their father.

"Heera?"

Louise’s voice was laced with disbelief. His carefully constructed facade of sadness cracked as genuine shock registered on his face.

Their father’s expression was no different. He stared at Heera as if she were a ghost.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Their father finally asked, his voice uneven.

Heera didn’t give them a chance to regain their composure.

She stepped forward, her posture straight and her expression cool and composed.

"As per the pre-agreed regulations, I am entitled to assume control of the company during any handover period. I am here to claim my rightful place."

Heera began, her tone sharp and clear.

The room fell into stunned silence.

"Heera! You’ve been gone for days. We thought..."

Louise said, quickly recovering, though his voice lacked the confidence it had moments ago.

"You thought wrong. I’m alive, and I’m here to take back what’s mine."

Heera cut him off sharply.

Louise’s jaw clenched.

"You can’t just walk in here and—"

"I can. And I will."

Heera interrupted, her eyes narrowing.

Her father tried to speak, but before he could, Ethan stepped forward.

The shift in the room was immediate.

Ethan’s presence filled the space, his aura dark and oppressive.

The unspoken threat in his stance was enough to make even the most stubborn council members hesitate.

The air grew heavier, suffocating, as Ethan’s gaze swept over the room. It was a silent warning, but one that spoke louder than any words.

Louise’s confidence wavered. His hands clenched into fists, but he took a step back. Even their father’s expression shifted, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.

They all knew.

Ethan was on Heera’s side.

And that was enough to make them reconsider their next move.

"Do you really want to challenge me on this?"

Heera’s voice was cool, but there was steel behind her words.

The council members glanced at one another, uncertainty clear in their eyes. No one wanted to be the first to speak, but the tension in the room was palpable.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Louise’s shoulders slumped.

"I...I withdraw my claim."

His voice trailed off, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Their father’s expression hardened, but even he could see that the battle was lost. He said nothing, his silence a reluctant acceptance.

Heera’s eyes remained on Louise, her expression unreadable. But when she spoke, her voice was calm and composed.

"Then it’s settled."

She turned to the council, her gaze steady.

"As of today, I will resume my rightful position as CEO."

No one dared to argue.

Selene watched as Heera stood tall, reclaiming her place with the confidence that had been stripped from her.

But beneath that composed exterior, Selene could sense the weight of everything crashing down on Heera.

’This is just the beginning.’

Ethan remained by Selene’s side, his expression unreadable, but Selene could feel the tension radiating from him.

The battle was won.

But the war was far from over.