The setting sun painted Crawford Enterprise's hundredth-floor office in shades of amber and gold, casting long shadows across Italian marble floors and transforming the Manhattan skyline into a glittering canvas of light and glass. Elizabeth Crawford stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, one hand pressed against the cool surface while the other clutched a report she'd read a dozen times. At twenty-five, she carried herself with the poised elegance of someone twice her age—a necessity when running one of the world's fastest-growing conglomerates, with operations spanning from Manhattan to Asia.
The leather of her Louboutins whispered against marble as she turned at the familiar sound of her office door opening. Even without looking, she knew it was Alex—no one else matched his particular rhythm of movement, a habit carried from their childhood piano lessons.
"You're thinking about them again, aren't you?" His voice carried that gentle understanding that had been her anchor since their parents' death. Alexander Crawford, younger by two years but her closest confidant, set down two cups of artisanal coffee—their parents' favorite blend from that little café in Milan—on her hand-carved mahogany desk.
The rich aroma of perfectly roasted beans filled the air, mixing with the lingering scent of old books from their father's collection that still lined the office walls. "Mom would have loved to see the medical division's latest breakthrough," Elizabeth said softly, watching her reflection blur with unshed tears. "And Dad would've been so proud of your financial restructuring plan."
The Crawford siblings shared a moment of silence, remembering the tragic plane crash five years ago that had changed everything. The setting sun caught the crystal paperweight on Elizabeth's desk—a gift from their parents after her first successful merger, now serving as a daily reminder of their legacy. Their parents had been returning from a humanitarian mission in Southeast Asia—a Crawford family tradition that Elizabeth and Alex still maintained with fierce dedication.
"Speaking of the medical division," Alex settled into one of the leather chairs, his CFO badge catching the dying sunlight as he moved with the same grace their mother had possessed. "The neural interface project is ready for human trials. Dr. Chen says it could revolutionize prosthetic technology."
Elizabeth finally turned from the window, a genuine smile warming her features. This was why they worked so well together—Alex handled the numbers while she drove innovation, just as their parents had taught them. "That's what Mom always said, isn't it? 'Innovation without heart is just invention.'"
"And Dad would add, 'But heart without strategy is just charity,'" Alex chuckled, then his expression grew serious, green eyes—so like their father's—darkening with concern. "Uncle Charles called again."
The smile faded from Elizabeth's face. Since their parents' death, their uncle had been increasingly aggressive about "securing the company's future"—his code for marrying Elizabeth off to one of his business associates. The crystal lights in her office seemed to dim slightly, reflecting her mood.
"Three times this week," she sighed, picking up her coffee and inhaling the familiar comfort of the blend. "Let me guess—another 'perfect match'?"
"Jonathan Sterling this time. European division head, Harvard MBA, and—" Alex checked his phone with exaggerated formality, his silver cufflinks—a matching set with hers, their mother's last Christmas gift—catching the light. "—according to Uncle Charles, 'excellent breeding stock.'"
"Charming." Elizabeth's tone could have frozen hell. The view of Manhattan blurred as she fought back memories of endless dinner parties and strategic introductions, each one a carefully orchestrated attempt to "help" her manage the company.
A comfortable silence fell between them as they sipped their coffee, a ritual born from countless late nights and early mornings spent rebuilding their parents' legacy. The city lights began to emerge below, each one a tiny star in their urban galaxy. The siblings had learned early that in the corporate world, trust was rarer than the diamonds adorning the society wives who frequented their charity galas.
"We have to attend Patricia's birthday party tonight," Elizabeth finally said, checking her sleek watch—their father's last gift to her, its face catching the last rays of sunset. The weight of it on her wrist was both comfort and reminder. "Uncle Charles will be unbearable if we don't make an appearance."
"One hour," Alex promised, standing to adjust his sister's already perfect collar—a gesture of affection from childhood that had survived boardrooms and billion-dollar deals. His fingers brushed against the small Crawford family crest pendant at her throat, another piece of their heritage they refused to relinquish. "We go in, wish Patricia happy birthday, dodge Uncle Charles's parade of suitors, and leave before anyone can talk business."
Elizabeth caught her reflection in the window—sharp Chanel suit, Crawford-blue eyes, and their mother's determined chin. Success had come at the cost of a normal youth, but with Alex by her side, she'd never felt the loss too keenly. The city lights below seemed to pulse with the same rhythm as her heart, steady and determined.
"What would I do without you, little brother?"
"Probably take over the world out of spite," he teased, but his eyes were serious, carrying that same protective gleam he'd had since they were children. "We're in this together, Liz. Always have been, always will be."
Neither of them could have known how prophetic those words would prove to be.
Later that night, as their company car sliced through rain-slicked streets, Elizabeth watched Manhattan's lights blur into watercolor streaks through the window. The Grand Plaza Hotel had been everything they expected—excessive, pretentious, and full of hidden agendas. Crystal chandeliers had cast deceptively warm light over cold calculations, while champagne flowed freely to loosen lips and business ties.
They'd managed to avoid their uncle for the first hour, but their luck had run out during dinner. The memory of it still made Elizabeth's jaw clench.
"Elizabeth, darling!" Uncle Charles's booming voice had carried across the table, cutting through polite conversation like a hostile takeover. "Have you met Jonathan Sterling? He's just taken over their European division."
She'd felt Alex's hand squeeze her arm under the table—their childhood signal, perfected through years of society events. Time to leave.
"I apologize, Uncle, but Alex and I have an early meeting tomorrow," Elizabeth had stood gracefully, years of etiquette training evident in every movement. Her Louboutins had clicked against marble as she'd made her way to her cousin. "Patricia, happy birthday again."
Now, in the relative safety of their car, both siblings released tired sighs. Rain painted patterns on the windows, and the city lights created an almost magical atmosphere—deceptively peaceful.
"Home, Mr. Parker," Elizabeth instructed their long-time driver, not noticing the man's slight hesitation or the way his eyes darted to the rearview mirror more often than necessary.
As their car merged into the night traffic, Elizabeth turned to Alex. In the passing streetlights, his profile reminded her so much of their father it made her heart ache. "Thank you for always having my back."
"That's what siblings are for," Alex smiled, but it quickly turned to alarm as he noticed their increasing speed. "Mr. Parker, you're going too fast!"
Elizabeth's world tilted as their car suddenly swerved. Time seemed to slow, each moment crystal clear yet somehow surreal. The city lights spun into chaos around them. She saw Alex reaching for her, still trying to protect her even as their world shattered. The Crawford pendant at her throat felt warm, almost alive.
The last thing she saw was Alex's hand stretching toward hers, their matching cufflinks catching the final flash of light. The last thing she heard was the screech of metal against metal, and a single thought echoed in her mind:
'Please, let me stay with my brother...'
Then darkness claimed her, and Elizabeth Crawford ceased to exist in that world. But somewhere else, a baby girl was born with eyes that held the wisdom of another life, and the story of the Veiled Saintess began.