LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 12: The First Blow
Chapter 12: The First Blow
The morning headlines were brutal. Evelyn Hart's strategic strike against Lucas Rayner had made the front pages of every major financial publication: Rayner Industries Under Fire: A Billionaire's Ethics Questioned.
The article was scathing, highlighting everything from alleged corporate mismanagement to vague insinuations about Lucas's involvement in unethical practices. Evelyn knew the accusations were enough to plant doubt, even if they weren't entirely substantiated.
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Evelyn's Calculated Move
Evelyn sat in her office, surrounded by her trusted team. Her chief PR officer, Diana, handed her the latest media analytics.
"The public response is exactly what we anticipated," Diana said, her voice steady. "Rayner Industries' reputation is taking a hit, especially in key markets."
Evelyn nodded, her expression unreadable. She wasn't celebrating yet—this was just the first step in a much larger plan.
"Good," she said finally. "Keep the pressure on. I want every outlet talking about this."
Diana hesitated. "Are you sure this is the right move, Evelyn? Lucas is... unpredictable."
Evelyn's lips curved into a cold smile. "That's exactly why we need to strike now. He's not invincible, Diana. He just wants everyone to think he is."
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Lucas's Counterstrike
Meanwhile, at Rayner Industries, Lucas was already in damage-control mode. He sat at the head of the boardroom table, his senior executives gathered around him.
"This is a smear campaign," Lucas said, his voice calm but laced with steel. "Evelyn Hart thinks she can undermine us, but she doesn't realize who she's dealing with."
One of his advisors, a middle-aged man with graying hair, shifted uncomfortably. "The allegations are vague, but they're damaging our stock prices. Investors are starting to get nervous."
Lucas leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Then we give them something to restore their confidence."
He outlined a bold plan: a high-profile acquisition that would not only stabilize Rayner Industries' position in the market but also overshadow the negative press.
"It's a risk," another executive murmured.
"Every great move is," Lucas replied. "But if we pull this off, Evelyn won't know what hit her."
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Amara's Internal Conflict
Amara watched the corporate battle unfold with a mixture of fascination and unease. She knew Evelyn's tactics well—they were calculated, ruthless, and effective. But she also knew Lucas wouldn't go down without a fight.
As she reviewed the latest reports on the unfolding drama, her thoughts kept drifting to Lucas. Despite everything she had discovered about him, there was something about him that kept pulling her in.
Her assistant knocked on the door, interrupting her thoughts.
"Ms. Winston, there's a call for you," she said. "It's Evelyn Hart."
Amara's eyebrows shot up. Evelyn rarely reached out directly.
"Put her through," Amara said, curiosity piqued.
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A Surprising Offer
"Amara," Evelyn's voice came through the speakerphone, smooth and composed. "I think it's time we had a conversation."
"I'm listening," Amara replied cautiously.
"Lucas is a problem for both of us," Evelyn said bluntly. "I think it's time we worked together to neutralize him."
Amara's heart raced. She hadn't expected Evelyn to propose an alliance.
"And why should I trust you?" she asked.
"You don't have to," Evelyn said. "But ask yourself this: can you afford not to?"
Amara considered her words carefully. Evelyn was right about one thing—Lucas was dangerous. But could she really trust Evelyn, a woman known for her own ruthless ambition?
"I'll think about it," Amara said finally.
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