The office door closed behind Vanessa and she walked out of the office with her teeth gritted and her fist clenched. The acquisition agreement was signed, and Lawson Construction was no longer truly hers.She walked down the corridor with stiff steps, her jaw clenched so tightly that it hurt and every step felt like defeat. Her phone chimed. $100 million had been transferred to her account. Her heart dropped. This was barely a fraction of what her family business once was. She kept walking, but the world seemed to blur all around her and every step felt like a defeat.Behind her, inside the executive office, Adrian watched her leave through the glass walls.A faint smile rested on his face.Across from him, Emilia crossed her arms."Congratulations, Young Master."Adrian chuckled. "It's only the beginning."Emilia raised an eyebrow."The company is yours now. You've completed the task your mother gave you."She tilted her head curiously. "So why haven't you revealed your identity ye

Chapter 43: Paid in FullAdrian's words continued echoing inside his head he couldn’t believe this. The villa behind them was one of the most expensive properties currently available in the city. This house was priced arou thirty million dollars!The villa behind them was one of the most expensive properties currently available in the city.Perched on a private cliffside overlooking the ocean, the estate commanded an uninterrupted view of miles of pristine coastline. Below, waves rolled onto a stretch of white sand beach accessible only through the property's private pathway.The mansion itself sprawled across nearly two acres of prime beachfront land. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrapped around the structure, allowing every major room to face the sea. As the afternoon sun reflected off the water, the entire property seemed to glow.A long infinity pool extended toward the cliff's edge, creating the illusion that it merged directly with the ocean beyond. Nearby stood a spacious outdo

The woman many regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the country.After nearly forty minutes of driving, the car approached a set of enormous black iron gates.Several security personnel immediately stepped forward.One of them glanced into the vehicle. The moment he recognized Adrian, he straightened."Young Master."The gates slowly opened and Emilia's eyes widened slightly.The estate stretched farther than she expected. There was a private road wound through acres of manicured gardens and ancient trees.Elegant fountains decorated the landscape, security vehicles patrolled discreetly in the distance.The place felt less like a residence and more like a private kingdom.Eventually, the mansion came into view and Emilia unconsciously drew in a breath.She could count the number of times that she had been here and no matter how many times she had been here she had been always awed. The building stood atop a gentle rise overlooking the city.Warm lights illuminated its ston

Adrian remained in the corridor for a few moments after Victor ended his call and after composing himself, Adrian returned to the dining hall.Emilia looked up when he entered."There you are."Adrian smiled faintly and resumed his seat. A few moments later, Catherine also returned.The dinner continued as though nothing had happened and not long after, Victor stood from his seat and adjusted his suit jacket."It seems I'll have to leave first." His usual smile returned.He looked around the table. "Big Sister."Catherine nodded. "Victor."His gaze shifted toward Emilia. "It was nice meeting you, Miss Emilia."Emilia politely returned the greeting."And you as well take care of yourself, Adrian."Finally, Victor looked at Adrian and his smile widened slightly.Adrian met his eyes. "I always do."For a brief second, neither man looked away then Victor laughed softly."Good."Without another word, he turned and walked toward the exit and several moments later, the sound of a car engine

Adrian gestured toward her coffee."We've spent the entire week talking about acquisitions, fraud, assassins, shareholders, and family conspiracies."He picked up his cup."Tonight, we're talking about coffee."Emilia stared at him. Then she looked down at her drink and then back at him.A smile slowly appeared. "Fine."It was one of the most enjoyable conversations they had shared in a very long time.The following morning.Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Orion Holdings' headquarters.Inside the executive office, a mountain of documents covered the conference table.Financial statements, audit reports, bank records, spplier contracts.Most people would have found the stack overwhelming.Adrian simply flipped to the next page and across from him, Emilia sat with a cup of coffee."You were right." Adrian looked up."About Victor?"Emilia nodded. "Every time we pull on one thread, another appears."She slid a thick report across the table."At first, we thought