The Bïllionaire's Retruutioñ

Though Elena came from a wealthy family, luxury had been a rarity for her. Surviving school with enough to eat had been her priority, especially while enduring Vivian Cross's scheming and Selena Cross's arrogance.

Unaware of the bracelet's true value—the legendary *Heart of the Goddess*—Elena couldn't possibly fathom its worth. Even if she did, she wouldn't believe that Damian, who she thought was just a taxi driver, could afford such an extravagant item.

Relieved by his words, she smiled warmly. "It's so pretty that I thought it was a real gem." She held it close. "I love it. Thank you. But I didn't get anything for you."

Damian leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You already gave me a gift."

Elena blinked in confusion. "When did I do that?"

"You," he said softly, "are the best gift."

Her heart skipped a beat as warmth crept up her cheeks. As she walked into the office building, his words lingered in her mind, making her pulse race.

Damian Blackwell, with just a word or a glance, always managed to make her heart flutter.

"Elena Cross! What are you daydreaming about?"

Elena snapped out of her thoughts to see May Candice, the team leader, approaching with a stack of documents.

"I've called your name several times," May said, handing over the files. "Translate these before the end of the day. Upper management wants them ASAP."

"Got it," Elena said, flipping through the pages.

May's eyes narrowed. "Why's your face so red?"

"What?" Elena touched her warm cheeks, flustered. "Oh, I ran up the stairs. I was running late."

May lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Did you hear? Vince Moretti knocked up the boss's daughter. He's about to become the future son-in-law of Caldwell Delgado. Talk about a fast track to success."

Elena arched a brow. "That's… surprising."

Their conversation was cut short as a woman with chestnut curls and a confident stride made her way directly to Vince's office. Lila Hart, Caldwell Delgado's daughter, radiated authority and privilege.

The door to Vince's office clicked shut, and the blinds lowered.

May scoffed, her expression dripping with disdain. "Men these days—shamelessly living off women."

Elena bit back a smile and said nothing.

By the end of the day, Elena was packing up when Lila stormed into the office, her voice sharp and commanding. "I've lost my bracelet! No one leaves until it's found."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Before anyone could respond, something glinted as it tumbled from Elena's bag to the floor.

Gasps rippled through the room.

Lila's eyes blazed as she pointed a manicured finger at Elena. "That's my bracelet! You thief!"

Elena's stomach dropped.

Nathan Brooks, standing nearby, reached for his phone. "I'll call the police."

A chorus of whispers spread among the gathered employees.

Elena's colleagues, many of whom envied her beauty and quiet elegance, exchanged judgmental glances. Her reserved demeanor had always made her a target for jealousy, especially among the women, while the men admired her from afar.

Lila's voice rose above the murmurs. "You're finished!"

Elena clenched her fists, her mind racing. This was Damian's gift—how had it ended up framed as Lila's property? And why was she being set up like this?

But one thing was clear: she wouldn't go down without a fight.

Elena Cross stood calmly as whispers and sneers filled the room. The gleam of triumph in Lila Hart's eyes didn't go unnoticed.

"So now the goddess turns out to be a thief," someone muttered from the crowd, their tone dripping with glee.

Elena's expression remained composed. "Miss Hart, there's been a mistake. This is my bracelet."

"Your bracelet?" Lila's voice was laced with contempt. "Do you honestly think you can afford a bracelet worth millions of dollars? You were caught red-handed, so don't even try to weasel your way out of this."

A bracelet worth millions?

Damian Blackwell had told Elena it was just a simple gift, barely worth a few hundred dollars.

She was more certain now that Lila was mistaken.

Facing the murmurs of her colleagues, Elena's tone was calm and firm. "Miss Hart, this is my bracelet. It's certainly not worth millions. If you don't believe me, take a closer look."

Lila sneered, "This bracelet is called the *Heart of the Goddess*. It was designed by the famous French jeweler Feld Dubois. Dan gave it to me as a birthday present a few days ago. There's only one in the entire world."

She pointed accusingly. "We were in the restroom together earlier. That's when you stole it!"

Elena's mind raced. She had indeed been in the restroom with Lila half an hour ago.

The accusations sparked a flurry of whispers among her coworkers.

"I didn't expect this from her. She always seemed so honest," one woman scoffed.

"Yeah, now she's offended the boss's daughter. She's done for."

"She had all the guys in the office wrapped around her finger, thinking she was some perfect goddess. Turns out she's just a thief."

"I lost my lipstick the other day. I wonder if she took it too."

Elena clenched her fists at the hurtful remarks but remained outwardly composed.

Lila's lips curled into a smug smile. "Dan, call the police. I want her arrested. And make sure she's fired—immediately. Thieves don't belong in my father's company."

Despite the accusations, Elena didn't panic. She hadn't stolen anything and had nothing to fear.

As Lila grabbed the bracelet and turned to leave, Elena's hand shot out, gripping Lila's wrist. Gasps filled the room.

Was she about to attack Lila?