2025-08-16 20:50:41
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Chapter Twenty Two
Although the Baron Consortium tower was a hive of activity, there was a sense of unease beneath the gleaming chandeliers and polished marble floors. Though rumors circulated that Bruce's own executive, Marcus Vane, was planning something risky, the city had already started to turn against Vincent Richardson. For months Marcus had worn the mask of loyalty. Calm in meetings, sharp with numbers, and always the first to clap when Bruce made bold moves. But Bruce had seen the cracks. The irregular accounts, the false charities, the sudden disappearances of funds. Marcus had survived every purge so far, slipping through like smoke. But now, cornered by Bruce’s reforms, he was ready to gamble everything.The morning started with a summons, and when Bruce walked into the boardroom, the directors were already seated, their faces pale and nervous. Marcus was at the head of the table, but not in his normal seat; his silver hair gleamed in the light, and he smiled confidently, almost smugly.“We
Chapter Twenty One
There were still rumors circulating the city the morning after the Collins Court attack. Hungry for statements, reporters set up camp outside the Baron Consortium. In a panic, investors called and emailed to ask for confirmation that Bruce's business was not going to fail. His name was uttered by politicians in fear and awe. Although the city's trust in the Richardson family had been shaken by the Vincent scandal, Bruce was aware that the war was far from over.Vincent had shown his hand: violence, threats, devastation. Bruce, however, realized something crucial. Vincent and other men fought with more than just fire and fists. Even when their empires failed, they fought with chains; chains of money, debt, and favors that bound influential men to them.Those chains needed to be broken.Bruce assembled his inner circle in the war room of the tower. Screens displaying shipment routes, market data, and political figures' dossiers were arranged along the walls. Lady Scarlet sat at the head
Chapter Twenty
Back at the estate later that evening, James poured Bruce a drink. He said gravely, "You made enemies tonight.Vincent is not going to take this lightly. He will attack you more forcefully than before.” Bruce accepted the glass and gazed at the city lights outside. "Then let him come," he said softly. "I've finished hiding. This will be the final conflict we engage in if it is war. This ends in one way or another.”The headlines were all over the place the following morning: VINCENT RICHARDSON STORMS OUT IN DISGRACE ..CORRUPTION DOCUMENTS LEAKED AT GALA..RICHARDSON EMPIRE UNDER FIRE. There was a lot of speculation in the city. Protesters gathered outside their offices, politicians distanced themselves from the family, and investors pulled out of Richardson Global. The first public blow had come from Bruce, and the streets were already feeling the repercussions. However, another game was being played in the shadows. Vincent refused to back down in silence. Bruce was aware of it.The
Chapter Nineteen
The invitation came in a gold wax-sealed black silk envelope. The handwriting was precise and elegant. The most influential people in the city, including politicians, investors, journalists, and business magnates, were expected to attend the charity gala that Vincent Richardson was throwing at the Grand Marlowe Hotel. Although the note was courteous and polite, Bruce could tell what was written in it. It was difficult. James frowned as he gave the envelope to Bruce. "It is a trap," he stated plainly. "You are not being invited by Vincent to recognize your community service. He wants to make you look foolish.”Bruce gave a small, unwarm smile. “Then give him a chance. I'll meet Vincent on stage if he wants one. I won't play his game this time, though. I'll put an end to it. “Lady Scarlet folded her arms and stood in the doorway. "You need to exercise caution," she cautioned. "Everything we have created could be destroyed by a public altercation. However, if you decide to go, be read
Chapter Eighteen
It was a very quiet night. Bruce had arrived late from a meeting with members of the city council about a new public housing project that he had pushed through. Even though his body was worn out, his mind would not stop talking. Marcus was losing control, the Consortium was stabilizing, and the Richardsons were starting to break under the strain, but Bruce was not at all at ease. He now carried a chain of victory that was heavier than poverty had ever been.He retired to his private quarters after dismissing Louis and James for the evening. Silver splattered across the room as the city lights flickered dimly through the glass walls. He lay down in the hopes of resting, but sleep pulled him into something deeper and darker rather than into tranquility. He discovered that he was standing somewhere between a city and the countryside. The ground appeared to have been bleached by the moonlight, and the air was still. There was only an unending horizon that stretched into silence; there we
Chapter Seventeen
When Bruce awoke, the city smelled of rain and hope. His side wound ached steadily, reminding him that he was still alive and responsible. The attack cleared the fog from his vision, but he had anticipated knives in the dark and enemies in the street. Hesitancy was out of the question. Even though he had only been heir for a short while, the task was straightforward and cruel. The defenses should be rebuilt. Hold the power together. Make the house impregnable.The top priority was trust. He couldn't rely on the board to determine loyalty. As he walked the corridors, he could not listen for the truth. He needed to know. He called a private council, but only those he trusted the most were on it. At one end of the table, Lady Scarlet sat like a calm focal point. Louis took the seat closest to her. James stood with his arms folded by the window, alert as a sentinel. Sadie sat apart, her hands clenched, her presence a complicated thing that pricked like a bruise.Bruce said, his voice stea
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