Part 42 –
Even when evil runs,
The truth never tires.
And when a woman rebuilds her kingdom
She does so with fire in her eyes, and steel in her soul.
The Global Manhunt Begins
Lucien Luthor had vanished.
The moment the warehouse raid made headlines, and the police confirmed the charges kidnapping, conspiracy, attempted murder he slipped through every net the authorities had cast.
Interpol issued a red notice.
Private investigators across Europe and Asia were alerted.
Every corporate asset linked to Lucien was frozen by emergency court order.
Lila stood in front of a digital world map at Wolfe Tower, her legal team and cyber specialists marking every sighting and false lead.
"Someone is helping him," Marion muttered. "He's always had allies in the shadows."
Lila nodded, her jaw tense. "Then we drag them into the light, one by one."
She didn't need revenge. She needed justice.
And she'd make sure Lucien had no place left to hide.
Fallout at Wolfe Industries
But back home, not everyone was celebrating her victory.
The board of Wolfe Industries had called for an emergency meeting without her.
Marion burst into Lila's office, papers in hand. "They're using the chaos as an excuse. They want to vote on your removal as CEO."
Lila looked up from Ethan's hospital chart. "What grounds?"
"Conduct unbecoming. Misuse of company resources. 'Emotional instability.'"
Lila stood slowly, the tension in her spine turning to defiance.
"They're scared," she said quietly. "Not of me. But of a woman who doesn't break."
She turned, straightened her jacket, and said the words that always meant trouble:
"Schedule the meeting. I'm ready."
The Boardroom Showdown
That afternoon, Lila walked into the executive boardroom like it was a battlefield.
Twelve men and women in tailored suits sat waiting some loyal, some snakes. A few glanced up, surprised she'd arrived.
She didn't flinch.
"I hear there's concern about my ability to lead," she said coolly. "Let's address it."
An older man Whitman, one of her late father's old allies spoke first. "Lila, your courage is undeniable. But this scandal, the media frenzy, the physical risk shareholders are nervous."
"Good," she replied. "Let them be. Nervousness keeps the greedy in check."
Another voice, smug and biting Alaric Dane. "This is no longer about Lucien. It's about you jeopardizing Wolfe's future by turning it into a battleground for personal vendettas."
Lila stepped closer, fire in her eyes.
"You think this was personal? Lucien tried to take this company by force. He kidnapped my partner. He murdered people. And you want to talk about optics?"
She tossed a folder onto the table dozens of new investor letters, messages of support, shares bought by female CEOs, minority leaders, and ethical investors across the country.
"You want to talk about Wolfe's future?" she said. "Look around. We just gained the trust of every woman who's ever been silenced. Every person who's been told they don't belong in boardrooms like this."
Silence.
Lila looked at Marion. "Call the vote."
The Vote
Each board member entered their vote privately.
Lila stood at the far end of the room, refusing to show an ounce of doubt.
Ethan had called her that morning, voice soft but proud: "No matter what happens you've already won."
Marion tallied the results. Then she looked up, tears in her eyes.
"You keep the seat."
Applause erupted from a few corners.
But Lila didn't smile.
She nodded once and said, "Then let's get back to work. There's still a criminal to catch and a company to evolve."
A Quiet Moment
That evening, Lila returned to the hospital.
Ethan was sitting up now, IV removed, a book in his lap.
He looked up as she entered.
"Well?" he asked.
"I'm still CEO."
He grinned. "Of course you are."
She sat beside him, taking his hand. "But I'm not done. Lucien's still out there."
"We'll find him."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I know."
Then he whispered, "You scared me."
"I scared myself," she admitted. "But the truth is… I'd risk everything for you again. Even if I lose everything else."
Ethan squeezed her hand. "Then maybe it's time to stop risking, and start building. Together."
She turned to him, eyes wide.
He smiled.
"I'm not just here to love you, Lila. I want to build with you. Life. Legacy. A future that doesn't burn when the world turns dark."
For the first time in days, she smiled.
A real one.