Chapter 25. A Splashdown in Return

Elena’s POV

I didn’t raise my voice. That alone surprised Mark. “What are you doing here, Mark?” I asked calmly. “Or is following me now part of your new hobby?”

He blinked, clearly thrown off, before scoffing and sitting beside Philip. “Following you? Don’t flatter yourself. Philip is my friend. Bella and I flew in because of him.”

Friend. That single word tightened something in my chest, but I didn’t let it show. If Mark had access to men like Philip Arthur, then this meeting was never meant to be fair.

Philip leaned back on the lounger eyes flicking between us with lazy interest. He was enjoying this.

“I’m here on business,” I said evenly. “A legitimate proposal from Thompson Enterprises. Whatever circus you came with is irrelevant to me.”

Mark laughed. “Legitimate? That’s rich coming from you.”

Philip’s lips curved. “Oh? Sounds like there’s history.”

“Plenty,” Mark said. “She stole my managerial position.”

Philip’s bro