The Lost Heir: Trials of an Empire Reclaimed

Chapter 030

She laughed softly, reached for the handle, and paused to glance back at him once more before walking out.

As she turned the door handle, she collided with Mat at the door.

Elena Rogers stepping out, and Mat stepping in.

They collided like two startled fencers. Elena’s cream blouse fluttered; Mat’s crisp shirt tilted askew.

For a heartbeat, Mat’s brows knotted in irritation—until he realized who it was. His eyes widened, jaw slackening.

“Elena?” he stammered, voice a mix of relief and surprise.

Elena’s lips almost curved in a polite, almost a painful smile but she kept a straight face. She straightened, smoothing her slacks. She inclined her head ever so slightly—an acknowledgment, no more.

Mat opened his mouth again, perhaps to speak, but Elena simply turned on her heel. Her gaze flicked toward Silas—warmth blossoming across her features.

“Silas,” she said, her voice soft and bright. “Thank you for this morning. I’ll be in touch.”

She gave him that same serene smile she always did—one that made the air feel lighter—then closed the door behind her, leaving Mat blinking in the empty frame.

Silas watched her go, her heels clicking away down the corridor. He felt a gentle ache at the back of his mind—an afterglow from their earlier connection.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Silas exhaled.

A storm of thoughts whirled through his mind—but one stood out: “She’s not just another contract. She’s something more.”

And he knew—deep down—this wasn’t the last page of their chapter.

He didn’t quite realize Mat had entered until a voice rumbled from the doorway.

“Silas.”

Mat stood there, composure returning in measured breaths.

He closed the door and leaned against it, running a hand through his hair. “Sorry I couldn’t stay long yesterday.”

Silas offered him a warm smile. “Don’t worry about it. I hope everything’s all right on your end?”

Mat straightened, nodding. “Everything’s fine.” He cleared his throat. “I… I wanted to ask—was there any clash with Rogers NGO over the contract finalization?”

Silas shook his head, brows lifting. “On the contrary, we just finalized a new partnership. It was seamless.” He gestured toward the signed documents on his desk. “Look—they’re ours.”

Mat’s lips pressed into a thin line. He nodded slowly, as if absorbing new information. “Good.” He paused, eyes drifting back to the sealed folder.

“Just… let’s keep it at that, okay? I’d rather public perception remain focused on growth, not internal squabbles.”

Silas frowned slightly, puzzled. “Understood. Though I’m not sure where the concern comes from.”

Mat offered a faint, tight-lipped smile. “You know how rumors can spread. Better to nip them in the bud.” He gave Silas a quick, conspiratorial look. “Trust me on this.”

Silas relaxed, though curiosity lingered. “No problem.”

Mat pushed off the door and strode toward Silas’s desk, leaning over to review the day’s agenda. “So,” he said, tapping the top item on the whiteboard.

“First on your schedule: a briefing with Operations at ten. Then you’ve got investor calls after lunch, and the town hall at four.”

Silas leaned back, steepling his fingers. “Right. Everything as planned.”

Mat nodded, folding his arms. “Operations will want clarity on resource allocation—be ready with figures. The investors will probe market projections.

And at the town hall, you’ll need to—” He paused, glancing at Silas’s calm expression. “You’ll do fine.”

Silas allowed himself a small grin. “Thanks. It helps having you here.”

Mat’s eyes softened for a moment. “Always.”

Just then, Nancy poked her head in. “Mr. Lancaster, your first briefing is ready in Conference Room A.”

Silas rose, smoothing his suit jacket. “Thank you, Nancy.” He turned to Mat. “Shall we?”

They stepped out in tandem, Silas leading the way through the polished hallway.

As the door closed behind them, the morning’s delicate drama—Elena’s unexpected appearance, Mat’s quiet counsel—settled into the undercurrent of their day.

In the conference room, staff members greeted Silas with respectful nods. He exchanged firm handshakes, his smile genuine. Mat took a position at Silas’s right, attentive and ready to support.

Silas opened the briefing binder. “Good morning, everyone. Let’s get started.”

As the projector flickered to life, projecting charts and figures onto the sleek glass wall, Silas felt a surge of purpose.

He and Mat shared a quick, knowing glance—partners in more than just business. Together, they would navigate the complexities of the Lancaster legacy.

And somewhere, down the hall, Elena Rogers’s morning meeting would finalize the NGO’s pilot program, her own thoughts perhaps drifting back to that fleeting collision—and the promise of connections yet to be explored.

In that moment, the Lancaster empire buzzed with possibility: alliances forged, challenges anticipated, and a future unfolding under the watchful eyes of those with the power—and intent—to shape it.