Eric and Tim sat in the living room, the atmosphere tense but familiar. They had been rehashing the events of that fateful night at the club for what felt like the hundredth time, trying to make sense of it all.

Tim leaned back, eyeing his friend. "So, who’s the guy the gang roughed up? Did you ever get his name?"

Eric shook his head, staring down at the papers Tim had handed him. “No, I never got his name, but from the look on his face, he got the message. He knows not to mess with what’s important to me.”

Tim smirked. “I’m sure you taught him a lesson he won’t forget. What do you think his plan was with Emily?”

Eric sighed, running a hand through his hair. “He seemed... obsessed. I think he was angry because she rejected him in the past. She was uncomfortable the entire time he talked to her. It was like she could barely breathe around him.”

Tim grimaced. “Well, I would be too if some creep was stalking me.”

Eric nodded, flipping through the documents in front of him. “So, you said she’s a college student studying oncology?”

“Yeah,” Tim replied. “What are the odds? She’s in the same field your sister needs treatment for.”

Eric paused, his eyes catching on another detail in the report. “And her parents are specialists in oncology too?”

Tim leaned forward. “Yep. Not just any specialists, though—they’ve won multiple awards for their work. Emily interns at their practice when she’s not at school. She’s pretty much set to join them.”

A glimmer of hope sparked in Eric’s chest. “This might be the perfect chance. I can schedule an appointment for Lily with one of her parents. If Emily’s there... I can explain everything to her, face-to-face. Make her understand what really happened.”

Tim nodded thoughtfully. “That could work. Plus, Lily will get the treatment she needs for her cancer. It’s a win-win.”

Eric’s mind was already racing. “I just need to figure out which days Emily interns at the office so I can make sure we’re there at the same time.”

Tim gave Eric a look of caution. “Do you think she’ll even talk to you? After everything, she might be too angry or scared.”

Eric’s expression softened. “I hope she’ll give me the chance. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, Tim. I... I really like her.”

Tim smiled, sensing the shift in Eric’s usually guarded demeanor. “Give me a few days, and I’ll find out her schedule for you.”

As Eric sat back, he felt something stir inside him—hope. For the first time since that night, he had a plan. Not only would his sister get the help she desperately needed, but he might have a chance to win Emily’s trust again. He had to fix this.

Meanwhile, across town, Luke stood in his office, gripping a cane with his right hand. Though his body was still bruised and battered, the physical pain paled in comparison to the seething rage bubbling inside him. His assistant stood nearby, nervously wringing her hands, knowing all too well what was brewing in Luke’s mind.

He had been released from the hospital just days ago, and now, he was plotting his next move.

“Sir, what are your plans now?” the assistant asked cautiously.

Luke’s eyes narrowed as he stared at a crumpled photo of Eric Hart on his desk. With a growl, he balled the paper in his fist and threw it to the floor.

“We’re going to destroy him,” Luke spat. “I’m going to take everything he owns and ruin everyone he cares about. Let’s start with his company.”

The assistant blinked in surprise. “His company, sir?”

Luke smirked darkly. “They’ve been working on a major deal with Orion’s Metal. They need that bid to grow their company and meet their financial goals.”

The assistant nodded quickly, already seeing where this was headed. “Yes, they need that contract to stay competitive.”

Luke’s smirk widened. “Find out who’s in charge of the deal at Orion’s Metal and set up a private meeting with me. Let’s see if we can stir things up.”

The assistant hesitated for a brief second before nodding and hurrying out of the room to make the necessary arrangements. A few minutes later, she returned.

“Everything is set up, sir,” she said. “You’ll be meeting them tomorrow at 1 p.m. at LaTrec, that French restaurant you like.”

Luke leaned back in his chair, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “Good. You’ve done well. You can go now until I need you.”

With a quick bow of her head, the assistant left the room, leaving Luke alone with his thoughts. His laugh echoed in the silence—a dark, twisted sound.

“Eric Hart,” he muttered to himself, staring at the screen of his laptop where a photo of Emily lingered. “You have no idea what’s coming for you. I’m going to crush your company first, and then... I’ll take her.”

His gaze lingered on Emily’s image, a possessive glint in his eye. “You escaped me once, Emily, but not again. I’ll have you soon, my pretty pet.”

Luke’s mind swirled with thoughts of revenge, every piece falling into place. He would take everything from Eric, and then, he would reclaim Emily as his own.

———————————————————————————

Back in his own living room, Eric felt a weight lift from his shoulders as Tim smiled at him.

“I’m glad you’re finally fighting for something,” Tim said, his voice steady. “You’ve been so closed off for so long. Maybe Emily’s the one to change all that.”

Eric nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. “I just hope I can fix this mess... and that she’ll give me the chance.”

As Eric thought about his next move, he realized that what had started as a chance encounter had turned into something far more significant. His connection to Emily wasn’t just about attraction anymore—he had to make things right, not just for himself but for her, too.

And while Luke plotted his downfall, Eric had no idea that his fight wasn’t only for redemption. It was also for survival.