Chapter 62: An InvitationThe morning after their strategy meeting, Adrian arrived at Orion Holdings earlier than usual.As he entered his office, Emilia was already waiting.Her tablet rested on the desk, and a faint frown sat on her face.Adrian immediately noticed it. "What's wrong?"He asked as he walked in through the glass doors. Emilia looked up. "We have a problem."Adrian sat down, reclining into the chair. "How big?"Emilia slid a document across the table. “We got this information this morning.” Adrian leaned forward and picked up the tablet. The first thing he saw was a company logo.Then a family name and his eyes narrowed slightly.Montclair Family. They were the current number-one family in the city and for a long time they had been their rival. Their influence extended through finance, technology, manufacturing, and energy.Unlike the Nightingales, who preferred operating behind the scenes, the Montclairs openly displayed their power.For years, the two families had

Emilia and Adrian exchanged glances. This was everything. Getting this contract was going to be a major step in their future goals which was his plan The private dining room overlooked the city skyline.Soft golden lights illuminated the room while floor-to-ceiling windows revealed thousands of glittering lights below.The atmosphere was calm.Exclusive.The type of place where billion-dollar decisions were quietly made over dinner.Dr. Harrison Cole sat across from Adrian.Emilia occupied the seat beside him.A bottle of wine rested in the center of the table.Several dishes had already been served.Yet very little attention was paid to the food because everyone knew why they were really here.Dr. Cole swirled the wine in his glass.For several moments he remained silent, he was studying Adrian with a firm expression on his face. The old founder had spent decades dealing with investors.Bankers.Private equity firms.Corporate raiders.Yet somehow the young man sitting before him

The invitation remained on Adrian's desk long after everyone else had left the office.The black card sat there silently, elegant and simple.Most people would see it as an invitation. Adrian saw it for what it truly was a challenge.Across from him, Emilia sat with her legs crossed, studying the same card.The room was quiet, too quiet. Finally she broke the silence."You know, most people would be celebrating right now."Adrian looked up."Should I be?""You just took Voltis Dynamics from under Marianne Montclair's nose."A faint smile appeared on his face."Then I suppose she should be the one celebrating."Emilia shook her head."You don't understand."Her tone was different this time.Serious.Adrian immediately noticed."Tell me about her."Emilia leaned back in her chair.For several seconds she seemed to be choosing her words carefully.As though describing Marianne incorrectly would somehow be dangerous.Finally she spoke."She's not Victor."Adrian raised an eyebrow."No?""

The dining hall fell silent.The executive stood near the entrance, his face pale and his breathing uneven.A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.He looked as though he had run all the way upstairs.Marianne's fingers slowly tightened around her wine glass.Her expression remained composed.But the warmth had vanished from her eyes."What did you say?" she asked. Her voice was calm.Too calm that it made the executive worry. The executive swallowed."A hostile takeover attempt has been launched against Montclair Group."The room instantly grew colder and Adrian stood quietly nearby.His hands remained in his pockets.His expression did not change but his eyes narrowed slightly.Marianne slowly set down her wine glass.The soft clink echoed through the room."Who?"The executive hesitated."We don't know.""The shares were acquired through multiple shell corporations."Marianne's gaze sharpened."How much?""Six percent."The executive lowered his head. "And still rising."A dangero

The next morning, Adrian had barely settled into his office when his phone rang.He glanced at the screen. It was his Mother.A faint smile appeared on his face before he answered."Mom.""My son."Catherine Nightingale's warm voice came through immediately."It has been a while since I called and you weren't buried under documents."Adrian leaned back in his chair."That's because everyone seems determined to bury me under them."Catherine laughed softly. "I heard about Voltis. You make your mother proud."Adrian shook his head.There was always something comforting about talking to her.Unlike everyone else, she never cared about profits, acquisitions, or status.To her, he was simply her son but then her tone suddenly changed."You're attending the Hawthorne Foundation Charity Gala next week."Adrian blinked. "What? The charity gala. No."Catherine ignored him completely. "It starts at seven.""Mom.""You'll need a tuxedo.""Mom.""They'll be serving dinner." Adrian rubbed his fore