Chapter 21: The Price of a Name
Chapter 21: The Price of a Name
Tessa as Elena's POV
As the car pulled into the company grounds, my jaw dropped. Right from the entrance, it was clear—this wasn’t just any business.
It was massive. A glass tower that seemed to disappear into the clouds. For a man known as the king of high-end real estate and luxury resorts, it made sense—Elena’s father had built half the skyline of this city.
The security guards moved swiftly, opening the car door like they’d done it for royalty a thousand times. One of them gave a small nod, while another pointed me toward the main entrance.
The ground floor looked like a five-star hotel lobby. Polished white marble stretched across the entire space, golden chandeliers hung like art pieces from the ceiling. The scent of fresh orchids lingered in the air, and the atmosphere felt powerful.
As I walked toward the elevator, I could feel eyes on me. Some of the staff stopped mid-conversation, covering their mouths in disbelief, a few snapping quick photos with their phones.
He had told the guards to take the public entrance—on purpose, I realized. Maybe he wanted everyone to see.
The elevator chimed open, and the guards stepped in first. They looked perfect for the job—tall, neat, sharp-eyed. One of them swiped a card to open a large frosted-glass door at the top floor. I followed quietly.
“Darling!” Elena’s father rose from his seat the moment I walked in, his face lighting up.
“Hello, Dad.” I returned his warmth with a wide smile.
He pulled me into a hug, his arms firm and protective.
“How was school today?”
“Fine, Daddy.” The guards left as we settled in, leaving just the two of us.
“Have you eaten? I could call the chefs to make—”
“I went to lunch with Bella before coming,” I said, cutting in gently.
“That reminds me,” he continued, his expression shifting as we sat on the sofa in his office. “Your bank statement came in last month. I noticed you didn’t touch your account. Not a single cent.” He reached for my hand, brows furrowed in concern. “Is everything okay? Do you need more money?” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Or… did you forget your PIN?”
That was when it hit me. I hadn’t spent a single thing since waking up in Elena’s body. Back when I was still me, money was survival—food, bills, rent. But now… everything I needed was already done before I even thought of it.
“There’s no problem, Dad,” I replied with a soft laugh. “I just didn’t need anything yet.”
He didn’t push. Just picked up his phone and dialed someone. “Call Ayla. She should be here in an hour.”
He hung up and turned back to me. “You’ll go shopping with Ayla today. Use your black card. Your PIN is 8791. I want you to spoil yourself, alright?”
About ten minutes later, we were in the boardroom. The long glass table was lined with sharply dressed board members, most of whom wore expressions that were hard to read—surprise, confusion, maybe even some irritation.
I sat beside Elena’s dad at the head of the table. My palms were pressed together under the desk, heart pounding. I’d never even been inside a boardroom before, let alone sat at the head of one. What if they expected me to speak?
Then he cleared his throat.
“Hello, everyone. Thank you for making time on such short notice,” he began, with a warm and confident tone.
“I’d like to formally introduce my daughter. This is Elena Scarlet.” He gestured toward me. “She will be joining us in the business world, starting today. This marks a new chapter, and I hope you will offer her your support.”
They clapped, some with forced smiles. I just nodded slightly, praying he wouldn’t ask me to talk—and thankfully, he didn’t.
Later that evening, I sank into the bed, letting out a slow breath. My mind spinning through how my day went.
Zane’s sudden kiss in public still lingered on my skin. It had caught me off guard, but I played along—we were dating now, or at least pretending to. Everything today had felt unreal—from the boardroom, to Ayla picking out endless designer outfits—dresses in silk and chiffon, shoes that sparkled under the store lights. One sapphire-blue gown shimmered like moonlight, and I found myself staring at it longer than I should’ve, silently wondering if the black card had a limit. But I remembered—black cards were for people who didn’t worry about limits.
I got curious for a second, then picked up my phone and searched deeper into Elena’s life in the business world. What I found broke my heart a little. Elena had never wanted anything to do with her dad’s company. The board had ridiculed him for years, claiming he had no heir, saying he’d eventually be forced to sell his shares. And now, here I was… pretending to be the daughter he always wished would step up.
I exhaled and leaned back. Ayla—Elena’s assistant—had said I had one hour to rest before an evening event. But that dream from days ago still haunted me, and something pushed me to try again.
I walked over to Elena’s makeup table, opened the top drawer—nothing. Second—still nothing. I was just reaching the last one when the door creaked open.
“Baby,” her mom breathed, rushing in to hug me from behind, with warmth. “Your father said you did so well today.”
It clicked. They were so happy because Elena had always refused this part of their world.
I smiled quietly as she kissed my forehead.
“Elena,” she continued, “I asked Ayla to clear a space in your schedule tomorrow. You’ll be attending an evening event with me and Adrian’s mother.”
“Okay, Mum,” I replied with a calm nod.
But deep down, I was scared. What if I started enjoying this attention, this love? Wouldn’t it hurt more when I returned to my real life—alone, invisible and forgotten?
“Mum… can we visit Elena—I mean, Tessa—at the hospital soon? It’s been two weeks already.”
She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Elena… you know you’re a public figure now. Visiting too often might raise questions.” Her hand moved gently up and down my back. “Maybe next week.”
I nodded, even though it hurt.
“I need to get ready for the event,” I said gently.
She gave me a quick smile and quietly left the room.
As the door shut, I turned back and opened the last drawer.
This time, I found something—an envelope.
I smiled as I recognized Bella’s handwriting. It was a birthday letter.
Opening it slowly, I read:
Happy Birthday, Elena. You shine without trying, and even though we don’t say it enough, we all orbit around your light. Never change.
Then I froze.
My breath caught.
One line made my hands tremble:
“Every 25th May is always about you.”
My lips parted in shock, the letter slipping slightly from my grip.
No... that can’t be right.
“Elena and I… had the same birthday?” I whispered.
From outside, Ayla’s voice called softly, “Miss, it’s time for the event.”