Reborn as his captivating wife

Unsettled Hearts and New Storms

Sebastian stood on the balcony of his office, overlooking Oakridge's glittering skyline. His assistant, Mason, had just finished reporting the final confirmation—Julia Moore was officially charged, and the Moore family's influence had crumbled to dust.

By all accounts, this should have been just another business victory.

Yet, as he sipped his coffee, Sebastian's mind wasn't on corporate warfare. It was on Elena. The woman he once believed to be a foolish burden… now commanded boardrooms, silenced her enemies, and walked with a quiet strength that unsettled him.

His thoughts were interrupted when Mason knocked. "Sir, there's a new development… regarding the Winstone Group."

Sebastian's brow furrowed. "What about them?"

"They just announced a hostile takeover attempt on Stratus Innovations."

Sebastian's grip tightened around his cup.

—

Meanwhile, Elena was at Stratus's office reviewing expansion strategies when the news broke. Her lips pressed into a thin line. The Winstone Group—a known corporate vulture—had sensed weakness amidst the recent drama and was trying to capitalize.

Before panic could settle among her team, Elena stood, calm but fierce. "Schedule a board meeting. If they want war, we'll give it to them."

—

Back at Hart Enterprises, Sebastian's day, surprisingly, didn't end with boardroom meetings. Instead, it ended with him sitting in front of a large digital screen, watching replays of Elena speaking confidently at her press conference, watching the glint of defiance in her eyes.

Something stirred in his chest—an unfamiliar heat, unsettling and persistent.

Mason cautiously asked, "Sir, should we intervene in the Winstone matter?"

Sebastian's jaw clenched. "She'll fight this on her own… but we'll make sure she doesn't stand alone."

That night, for the first time, Sebastian didn't think about divorce. He thought about Elena—how the woman he underestimated kept surprising him, and how the line between duty and desire was slowly blurring.

And in the background, a new storm gathered—one that would test both their strengths… and their hearts.

_________

Sebastian stepped through the front doors of the mansion, Noah trailing behind him with lazy strides and a phone in hand. They'd just wrapped up a draining day of boardroom battles and power plays. Sebastian fully expected the usual sterile silence of the house...what he didn't expect was the warm, rich aroma drifting from the kitchen...usually by this time the cooks are already done cooking.

Noah's nose twitched. "Is that… garlic butter?"

Sebastian frowned, loosening his tie, and followed the scent. In the kitchen, Elena stood at the stove, dressed in casual homewear, plating up a beautifully prepared meal—seared steaks, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes and rice. Her focus was sharp, her hands skilled.

Noah whistled. "Since when does Mrs. Hart cook?"

Elena looked over her shoulder, smiling politely. "I thought you two could use a proper meal after such a long day."

Sebastian blinked, uncharacteristically thrown off, but Noah, ever the opportunist, dropped into a chair without hesitation. "You don't have to tell me twice."

Minutes later, they sat around the dining table. Sebastian was quieter than usual, occasionally watching Elena, but Noah kept the conversation flowing effortlessly.

"This is insane," Noah declared mid-bite. "Where was this Elena hiding all along? I was convinced you didn't even know how to boil water."

Elena's lips curled in amusement. "I guess everyone believed what they wanted to believe."

Noah grinned. "And the whole businesswoman twist? Gotta say, didn't see that coming either. You played the clueless card a little too well."

Sebastian silently chewed, watching how effortlessly Elena handled the conversation, responding with grace but not seeking attention. Noah continued, "Honestly, you're making me wonder if there's anything else you've been hiding."

Sebastian's jaw tightened slightly, a strange tug in his chest. He didn't like how comfortable Elena seemed with Noah… or maybe he didn't like how easily his brother had noticed things he had overlooked for so long.

After dinner, Noah stretched. "I need to head out. Thanks for the meal, sister-in-law." He winked, making Elena laugh lightly before leaving the room.

Sebastian lingered, pretending to sip his wine.

"You've been quiet," Elena observed.

Sebastian's voice was lower than usual. "I was watching."

Elena arched a brow. "And?"

He stood slowly, approaching her. "And… it seems I never really knew you."

Before Elena could respond, Sebastian left the room—leaving her wondering .

Outside, clouds gathered once again over Oakridge, and somewhere across the city, new enemies watched Elena's growing presence with gritted teeth.