From Ex-Convict To General

Chapter 3

I ONLY ROT WHERE I CHOOSE TO OLIVIA.

OLIVIA'S POV

While Dorian Ford was in prison, Olivia Steele lived as though he had never existed.

She rose early, dressed in sharp suits, and walked into Steele Enterprises with her chin high. The staff whispered that their boss looked stronger than ever, her confidence radiated with every step, her voice cut like a blade in meetings, and her eyes carried no trace of uncertainty. She looked like a woman reborn.

To the world, Olivia was thriving, but inside, she was fighting her demons.

The divorce was final, the burden gone, and now she could breathe again. At least, that was what she told herself whenever her chest felt too tight.

Sometimes, though, when she was alone, the memory of that prison hall crept back, the sight of a guard saluting Dorian, as if he were someone important. She would scoff, shake her head, and whisper, "Meaningless. He was nothing. He’ll always be nothing."

It was a lie she had trained herself to believe.

This afternoon, however, her carefully arranged peace was broken.

Her office door swung open without a knock. Margaret Steele, her mother, swept in, her heels sharp against the marble, her perfume filling the air before her words did. Behind her followed Ethan, her younger brother, scrolling his phone, grinning as if the world revolved around him.

Olivia set her pen down slowly. "Mother, Ethan, to what do I owe this?"

"You sound less than thrilled," Margaret said smoothly, her lips curved into a smile that wasn't warm. "But this is a family matter. And you, Olivia, are still part of this family, even if you act like you stand above it."

Ethan dropped onto the leather couch. "Relax, sis. We’re here with good news. Husband news." He blinked mockingly.

Olivia’s eyes turned to him sharply. "Don’t start."

Margaret didn’t waste time. She walked closer, folding her hands over the edge of Olivia’s desk. "Leonard Kane."

Olivia’s brow furrowed. "What about him?"

"The CEO of Titan Group has taken an interest in you," Margaret said with happiness. "He’s young, powerful, and ambitious. Titan controls half the city’s exports. Imagine what that means for Steele Enterprises if we ally with him."

Olivia leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "I just signed divorce papers. You expect me to smile at another man already?"

"This isn’t about smiling," Margaret snapped. "This is about survival. The Steeles must stay strong. Emotion has no place in business."

Ethan chuckled without looking up from his phone. "At least Kane isn’t a convict. Definitely an upgrade."

Olivia’s jaw tightened. "Don’t mention Dorian in my office again."

Ethan raised his hands in mock defense. "Uuuu.... Touchy, touchy."

Olivia rolled her eyes at him.

Margaret pressed on, her voice low and commanding. "Tonight, you will meet Leonard Kane. Dinner at Alvero’s, at 8 PM. You will show him the strength of the Steele name. If it becomes a marriage, good. If it remains business, also good. But you will go."

Olivia stared at her mother. "And if I refuse?"

Margaret’s eyes hardened. "You won’t."

The silence in the room was thick. Olivia finally exhaled through her nose. "Fine. But don’t think you can sell me off like a pawn."

Margaret smiled faintly. "Darling, in this city, we are all pawns. The clever ones simply learn to play king."

Ethan snorted. "Deep words, mother."

Olivia stood, gathering her files. "We’re done here. I’ll see Kane tonight. Now leave my office."

*****

The evening air was cool as Olivia stepped out of the car. Alvero’s, the most exclusive restaurant in the city, glowed with soft golden lights. Inside, deals worth billions were whispered over wine.

Leonard Kane was already waiting.

He rose smoothly when she entered, tall and impeccably dressed, his eyes sharp behind an easy smile. "Miss Steele," he greeted, taking her hand lightly. "Your mother undersold you. You’re even more outstanding in person."

Olivia slid into her seat across from him, her expression composed. "Flattery is cheap, Mr. Kane. Let’s not waste time."

Leonard chuckled, signaling for the waiter. "Direct. I like that. Wine?"

"No."

"Fair enough." He poured himself a glass. " "Your mother told me you’re rebuilding Steele Enterprises after some... complications."

Olivia’s gaze didn’t glimmer. "My company is fine."

Leonard swirled his wine glass lazily. "Of course. But even strong towers need support. Alone, a family business can only grow so much. With me, you’d reach the world."

Olivia leaned forward slightly. "Is this a business pitch or a marriage proposal?"

His smile sharpened. "Why not both?"

The waiter returned, slightly nervous, his hands trembling as he placed the plates. A fork clattered. Leonard’s expression darkened instantly.

"Careful," he said coldly. The word cut sharper than a knife.

The waiter stuttered apologies, retreating quickly. Leonard’s smile returned as though nothing had happened.

Olivia noticed. The mask, the crack, the ruthlessness underneath. It sent shivers down her spine.

Dinner continued with polite exchanges, his charm constant, his ambition obvious. But under his polished words, Olivia sensed something else, a hunger, a sharp edge that reminded her too much of the man she had thrown away.

Her chest tightened. She shook the thought away.

Leonard leaned closer. "This city is a battlefield, Miss Steele. Power isn’t inherited. It’s seized. And those, too weak to seize it..." His eyes glinted. "...are swallowed."

Olivia’s fingers tightened around her glass. His words cut deeper than he knew. Those too weak... She had once said almost the same thing to Dorian, when she cast him aside.

She pushed the thought down, forcing a smile. "And you believe I should be by your side when you take it?"

"Not should," Leonard replied smoothly. "Must."

Before she could respond, movement at the far end of the restaurant drew her attention.

Her heart stopped beating instantly.

Dorian Ford walked in.

No prison uniform. No handcuffs. Just a plain black suit, simple yet commanding, his steps steady as he walked, his gaze intense. He didn’t need to speak, his presence shifted the air, made the room still.

The glass in Olivia’s hand trembled. "Impossible," she whispered.

Leonard noticed the change in her face, followed her gaze. His eyes narrowed in interest. "Do you know him?"

Olivia pushed back her chair suddenly, pride covering panic. The entire restaurant watched as she rose, her heels striking hard against the polished floor.

She strode toward him, every step a war between fear and defiance.

She stopped just before him, her voice low, dripping disdain though her chest was pounding.

"What game is this, Dorian?"Her eyes blazed. "You’re supposed to be rotting in prison."

Dorian’s lips curved into the faintest smile. He said nothing. His silence was heavier than any answer.

Behind them, Leonard Kane lifted his glass, eyes glinting with hidden amusement. He leaned back in his chair, watching the show with keen curiosity.

The restaurant fell silent, every pair of eyes fixed on the three of them.

And Olivia’s world tilted, for the first time in years.

Then Dorian finally spoke, his voice calm, steady, and chilling.

"I only rot where I choose to, Olivia."