Hers to Ruin (Devour Me Series 2)

Chapter 1 - Her Dawn

Eyes locked on my laptop screen, I sighed, leaning my elbow on the table and rubbing my temples with my fingers. The long boardroom table stretched before me, surrounded by the directors. I sat at the head, scanning them and the reports laid out in front of me.

A large revenue loss. Some investors pulling out. My stomach tightened as I bit the corner of my lip, clasping my hands together and resting my chin on them.

"This will cause a huge capital loss for the company. We need to restrategize our approach. Maybe employee layoffs could work? Force the tenured ones into early retirement and compensate them? That way, we could minimize salary deductions," one board member suggested.

"That could work, but it will draw media attention. Why not sell some shares to the public to generate interest?" another countered.

"The stock market has been plummeting for a while now," I said, leaning back in my chair.

"With our current sales, the best we can do is close some subsidiaries and let the profitable ones continue operating.

We may need layoffs, but removing most tenured employees would backfire—they know the company's processes inside out.

It would be better to reduce junior staff and a few tenured ones. " I exhaled heavily.

All eyes turned to me. I blinked and frowned. "What's wrong?"

Celeste, my secretary, cleared her throat and moved closer. "Ms. Aurora," she whispered, gesturing toward her nose.

Confused, I reached to touch my own—and froze. Blood coated my fingers. "Oh, gosh," I chuckled nervously, covering my nose as I pulled a napkin from the dispenser and pressed it against the bleeding.

"Ms. Aurora," one board member said, her voice hesitant, "perhaps you're stressing too much. Maybe you should rest for a while."

I swallowed hard and nodded, forcing a smile. "Meeting's dismissed for now. I'll schedule another once I feel better. Thank you, everyone."

But as I rose, my vision doubled.

My hands shot to the table for support. "Ms. Aurora," Celeste rushed to my side, steadying me. "Are you feeling all right?"

I nodded, steadying myself. "Thank you all for attending today's meeting. Have a nice day." I signaled Celeste to take care of my things and hurried out, heading straight for the washroom. Once inside, I locked the door and leaned on the sink, eyes fixed on my reflection.

Chuckling to myself, I sighed as my nose continued to bleed. "How long can this company even hold?" I whispered, wiping it with another tissue.

My empire—the company I'd fought to sustain—felt like it could crumble in an instant. DeLacroix Couture Luxury House, the empire my grandmother had entrusted to me, was facing its downfall.

I turned the faucet on, splashing cool water on my face repeatedly before staring back into the mirror.

I exhaled sharply and pressed a tissue to my face. "No," I said firmly, meeting my own eyes. "This company will not go bankrupt. It will not fall." I clenched my fists, determination hardening inside me.

Straightening my clothes, I stepped out—only to find Celeste waiting. She blinked at me.

"Ms. Aurora," she said, bowing slightly. "The representative from Duvall Capital Group is arriving in five minutes."

I raised a brow. "What...?" I checked my wristwatch. "It's scheduled for two in the afternoon. It's only one." I shrugged. "Well, it's better than nothing." I started down the hallway, Celeste hurrying beside me.

"Duvall Capital Group is known for rescuing companies, Ms. Aurora. But... are we sure it will work?" she asked, hesitant.

I glanced at her and offered a faint smile. "They're the ones offering to save us. With the capital losses we've suffered for months, we need someone to turn things around."

"But I've heard the founder is ruthless," she whispered. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"This is business, Celeste," I said, stopping at my office door. "Ruthlessness is normal. That's how we survived the competition. Besides, what do we have to lose? If we want to survive, we cooperate." I twisted the knob and stepped inside.

I went straight to my desk, sinking into my chair. My reflection in the mirror reminded me of how pale I looked. I opened a drawer, pulling out foundation and lipstick, touching up my face before setting them aside.

A soft knock drew my attention. "Just in time," I whispered. Sitting up straight, I arranged the documents neatly. "Come in," I called, readying myself for the meeting with Duvall Capital Group.

This was my only chance to save the company.

"Ms. Aurora," Celeste's voice chimed, "Duvall Capital Group is here."

"Thank you, Celeste," I replied, glancing at her. I stood and smiled—but it faltered instantly.

Sol... I blinked at the figure beside Celeste. My brow furrowed as I scrambled for the schedule document, not noticing Celeste quietly excusing herself.

"My representative couldn't make it, so I'm here—the founder herself," the woman said.

I froze, hands pressing on my desk as I met her deep hazel eyes. Sloane Duvall, founder and CEO of Duvall Capital Group. I had known a meeting was possible—but not like this.

"Sol..." My voice betrayed the lump in my throat.

Sloane tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It feels like forever, Ro," she chuckled. "Last I checked, you were reigning over Monaco's luxury houses, even managing subsidiaries under Veraux Holdings. And now... you're on the brink of bankruptcy? Karma catching up?"

My mouth went dry. I was lost for words. Maybe it really was my karma. I studied her face—her eyes, the curve of her smile—everything still familiar, yet undeniably changed. And still, my heart pounded like a wild animal desperate to break free.

Sloane was standing in front of me, in person—not on a screen, not in the news. After all these years, she was here.

?·???°???°???·?

As we sat across from each other, my hands trembled on my lap. Sloane, sitting opposite me, crossed one leg over the other and flipped the document to the next page, eyes fixed on it, ignoring me entirely.

"Embezzlement, huh?" she murmured, raising her gaze as she snapped the document shut. I sat up straighter under her stare. "How many of your company's investors have pulled out?"

"Almost half," I admitted, swallowing hard. "With the losses we've faced, there's no way they'd stay. Tens of billions have been taken out of the company, not just thousands." I sighed. "Look, I know it's a huge amount at stake, and I understand if you can't—"

She tossed the document onto the table and rose slowly, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling window behind me. She stopped there, silent, as if weighing a way to help—or plotting something else entirely.

"My company can help," she began. I turned to look at her, gripping the cushion armrest of the couch as my eyes followed her back.

"What's at stake?" I asked cautiously.

Sloane turned toward me, smiling—not warmly, but in a way that made my stomach tighten. She walked back to my side and leaned on the armrest, face inches from mine. I swallowed hard.

"You know this is still business, right?" she murmured, brushing my cheek lightly before straightening and crossing her arms. Her gaze pinned me, silent but commanding, as if I were the one kneeling, begging her to save my empire.

My breath hitched as I braced for her terms. I nodded, mouth dry.

"I'll secure half of the investors you've lost and bring in new capital," she explained.

"In return, I want a seat on the board of directors and to be a major shareholder.

You'll remain the owner and CEO, but my stake will be significantly larger than yours.

" She leaned closer, voice low. "I can give you the initial funds to recover from the losses and prevent bankruptcy.

Let the media announce a joint partnership. "

"Hold on," I interrupted, standing. "That sounds like you're kidnapping my company. You give us funds to recover, and in return—"

She tilted her head, laughing as she rolled her eyes. "I am rescuing your company, Ms. DeLacroix," she said, sighing. "And giving you tens of billions isn't actually beneficial to me. You're the one gaining, if anything."

"Sol—" I started, clearing my throat. "Ms. Duvall, I understand your perspective. How about I let you own one of my companies under DeLacroix Couture Luxury House as partial payment? Once the company stabilizes, I'll repay your investment."

"But that's not what I want, Ro," she smirked, that nickname sending a shiver down my spine.

She stepped closer, fingers tracing the edge of my collar. "I want the seat on the board of directors. Take it or leave it." She smiled, then pressed her hand to my shoulder. "Oh, and before I forget—you don't have to pay me tens of billions," she added casually.

I frowned, tilting my head, lips parting. "What do you mean?"

"Marry me," she said, as casually as if we were discussing the weather.

My jaw dropped. "Have you lost your mind, Sloane?" I shoved her hands away. "Need I remind you—"

She raised a hand, cutting me off. "Aurora DeLacroix," she said sharply, as if my name were a blade. "Accept all my terms and save your empire—or," she shrugged, "let it crumble beneath you. You've grown up with everything handed to you, Ro. How can you step up when you have nothing left?"

"But marrying you..." My chest ached as my heart raced. "Sloane, we're exes," I said, swallowing hard.

She hummed, her expression darkening. "Should I thank you for reminding me? Last I checked, we're still exes—and I haven't forgotten."

I heaved a sigh, stepping closer and gripping her upper arm. "What the hell are you trying to do? You're cornering me!" I gritted my teeth.

"Am I?" she said, letting me hold her arm before slowly removing my hand. "Time's ticking like a bomb, Ro. Accept it or not—that's your choice. But don't forget: you'll face public scrutiny and bankruptcy if you refuse. Not me."

I pressed the bridge of my nose, laughing nervously. "Are you... sure you want to marry me?"

Sloane didn't answer. Her deep hazel eyes held me in place. The idea of marrying her was... terrifying. Exciting. After all these years, I still loved her. But... did this mean—?

"I'll let you think about it," Sloane said, grabbing her handbag. "But don't take too long. My offer is only good for a limited time."

She turned toward the door. "Sol," I called, just as her hand touched the knob.

She glanced back. "Yes?"

I bit my lip. "Take care on your way out. And... give me some time. I'll call with my decision."

She nodded and left, closing the door behind her. I sank into my chair, clutching my chest. "Is she really serious... asking me to marry her?"