Chapter 5: The First Move
Lianna had learned one thing very well in her previous life—
When Lucien Blackwood was silent, it meant he was planning something cruel.
That was why the message she received the next morning made her blood run cold.
Unknown Number:
You've been busy since yesterday.
She stared at the screen.
Ethan noticed immediately. "Blackwood?"
"Yes."
"Did he threaten you?"
Lianna shook her head slowly. "That's worse. He didn't."
Lucien never wasted words on empty threats.
Instead, he acted.
—
By noon, the city was buzzing.
News headlines flooded every screen:
BLACKWOOD GROUP ACQUIRES MOORE INVESTIGATIONS
CEO LUCIEN BLACKWOOD ANNOUNCES 'STRATEGIC TAKEOVER'
Ethan's face drained of color as he refreshed the page again and again.
"That's impossible," he muttered. "I never put the company up for sale."
Lianna felt a familiar tightness in her chest.
Lucien didn't need permission.
He needed obedience.
Her phone vibrated again.
Lucien:
I told you I reclaim what's mine.
Meet me. Tonight. 8 p.m.
Location attached.
The Blackwood private penthouse.
Ethan grabbed her wrist. "You can't go."
"I have to," Lianna replied calmly.
"That man doesn't negotiate."
"I know," she said, gently freeing herself. "That's why this is my move, not his."
Ethan searched her face. "You're not the same Lianna who left years ago."
"No," she agreed softly.
"I'm the one who survived him."
—
The penthouse was exactly as she remembered.
Cold marble. Floor-to-ceiling windows. A throne disguised as an office.
Lucien stood by the glass, back turned, city lights framing his silhouette like a crown.
"You're late," he said.
"I'm on time," Lianna replied. "You just like control."
He turned.
For the first time since her rebirth, Lucien looked… displeased.
"You brought Ethan back into your life," he said flatly.
"You erased him from mine," she countered.
A beat of silence.
"You belong in my world," Lucien said. "Not hiding in broken offices."
Lianna stepped closer, eyes sharp. "Your world killed me once."
Something flickered in his gaze.
Regret?
No.
Recognition.
"You came anyway," he said quietly.
"Because I won't run anymore."
Lucien studied her, then smiled slowly—dark, dangerous, intrigued.
"Good," he murmured.
"Then you'll survive what comes next."
As Lianna turned to leave, his voice stopped her.
"Lianna."
She didn't look back.
"You made the first move," he said.
"So did I."
The doors closed behind her with a soft, ominous click.
And for the first time—
Lianna realized this rebirth wouldn't just be about escape.
It would be about war.