In the Hayes mansion study, Mr. Hayes had smoked cigars while negotiating late into the hours. Cassandra sat in the high-backed chair opposite Laura Chen, the firelight flickering against polished brass.Chen adjusted her spectacles, scanning the new set of documents Cassandra had laid before her. “You’ve improved the margins,” she observed coolly. “More aggressive than before.”Cassandra leaned forward, her voice calm, deliberate. “Sterling is prepared to reward loyalty. Increased returns, expedited timelines, and access to patent-driven markets before anyone else. You’ve already taken the first step by shifting away from Liam’s fragile project. This is the next.”Chen pursed her lips, considering. “Liam assured me stability. What you offer is opportunity—but risk.”“Risk,” Cassandra said, “is the price of empire. Stability breeds mediocrity. You told me once you wanted more than steady growth, Laura. You wanted to be remembered.”Chen’s gaze sharpened. She closed the folder and gave

Laura Chen sat across from Cassandra, her eyes sharp and calculating. “You want me to carry your clause into the boardroom?” she asked, crossing one leg over the other. “That’s not a small request.”Cassandra didn’t hesitate. “It’s not a request—it’s a strategy. You’ve already seen the Sterling terms. Better profit margins, better patent access, and more control over the Asian market. If you speak for it, others will follow.”Chen’s lips twitched. “And why not Eleanor herself?”“Because Eleanor’s presence would expose the play. You, however, are a neutral party—trusted, respected, and until now, aligned with Liam. That makes your switch all the more powerful.” Cassandra leaned forward, her voice lowering. “Do this, and Sterling will guarantee you priority access to the tech patents. You’ll double your returns before Hayes even realizes what happened.”Chen studied her for a long moment, then smiled thinly. “Convincing. Very well. I’ll press the clause at the next board meeting. But un

As the door shut behind him, Mr. Hayes sat back heavily in his chair, rubbing his head. He thought his battle was with investor confidence. He had no idea it was Eleanor Sterling tightening the noose.Meanwhile, Nathan arrived early at the Lexington Lounge, choosing a corner booth that offered both discretion and visibility. He placed his phone on the table, fingers drumming lightly against the polished surface as he reviewed the messages that had brought him here. Cassandra’s text had been succinct but loaded with implications:"I told you about Eleanor’s plan for a reason. I didn’t marry Liam because I loved him. I was forced. I’ve hated that life every day. There’s more you need to know, but I can’t talk here. Meet me tonight at the lounge in Lexington, 8 PM. Don’t tell Victor"Nathan’s mind raced. He had suspected Cassandra’s ambivalence, but the weight of a past connection intertwined with coercion, power, and betrayal made this meeting urgent. He typed a brief reply: "Understood

The library in the Sterling mansion was a grand expanse of polished wood. Cassandra moved carefully between shelves, a stack of files clutched in her hands, aware that Eleanor’s eyes tracked her from across the room. Cassandra’s mind was occupied with strategy. She needed to draw closer to Mr. Hayes, to probe about Hayes Telecom’s ownership structure without raising Eleanor’s suspicions. Despite being under Eleanor’s direct scrutiny, she had found subtle ways to engage him, using the guise of curiosity and marital duty to gain access to sensitive discussions. “Father,” she asked casually as she approached him, “I was reviewing the merger documents, and I realized I don’t fully understand the allocation of shares and assets within Hayes Telecom. Could you clarify that for me?”Mr. Hayes glanced up, a faint smile touching his features. “Cassandra, I appreciate your interest. But some of these details are… sensitive. Why the sudden curiosity?”“Just trying to understand the company bett

The Lexington Lounge was quieter than usual, the muted chatter of patrons blending with soft jazz. Nathan arrived first, securing a corner table that offered both discretion and a clear line of sight to the main entrance. His mind raced with calculations and contingencies. The legal loophole he had uncovered in Hayes Telecom’s structure could give him leverage against Eleanor, allowing him to secure his birthright without overtly aiding Hayes. Every detail mattered, and timing would determine success or failure.Moments later, Victor arrived, sliding into the seat across from Nathan. He gave a sharp nod. “You look serious. What’s happening?”Nathan leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I’ve found a legal loophole in Hayes Telecom’s ownership structure. It’s subtle, but powerful. If I play this right, I can force Eleanor to negotiate my birthright without needing to expose Hayes or interfere with the board overtly.”Victor’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s risky. You mean you’d pressure Elea