The Masked Tycoon

CHAPTER FOUR

“Sign them.”

Miranda Westwood dropped the envelope on the table with a snap. Leonard didn’t flinch. He sat on the couch, a quiet smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Elena stood frozen by the doorway. “Mother, this isn’t ”

“This is exactly necessary,” Miranda interrupted. “Last night was a circus. Do you think I’ll let this family’s reputation rest on some… some stray dog with a black credit card? No. You’re getting out, Elena. Tonight.”

Leonard picked up the envelope and opened it slowly. His voice was almost amused. “You’ve been waiting for this moment a long time, haven’t you?”

Victor, leaning against the wall, smirked. “Better late than never. You’re lucky Mother didn’t throw you out sooner.”

“Victor, stop,” Elena said sharply, but they ignored her.

Leonard flipped through the pages. “Irreconcilable differences,” he read aloud. “No compensation. Immediate termination of marital contract.”

Miranda folded her arms. “You married into this family with nothing. You’ll leave with nothing. Consider this mercy.”

Leonard set the papers down. “And Elena? What does she think?”

Elena’s voice was shaky. “I don’t want this. Leonard, I don’t.”

Miranda shot her a glare. “You’ll thank me later. This man is hiding things, Elena. We’re already looking into him. Whatever he is, it’s dangerous.”

Leonard chuckled softly. “Dangerous? That’s the first true thing you’ve said to me in three years.”

Victor stepped forward. “You think this is funny? Sign the papers and get lost.”

Leonard looked at him. Really looked. “Victor, you’re loud. But that’s all you are. Loud.”

Victor’s face turned red. “What did you say?”

Leonard stood, towering over him without raising his voice. “You’ll understand soon enough.”

Miranda’s hand slammed the table. “Enough games. Sign.”

Leonard picked up the pen. Elena rushed forward. “No, don’t ”

He signed in one smooth motion.

The room went silent.

Elena stared at him. “Why? Why would you”

Leonard handed the papers back to Miranda, his expression calm. “Because you all believe you’re winning something. And I like watching people celebrate before they realize they’ve lost.”

Miranda frowned. “What does that mean?”

Leonard turned to Elena. His voice softened, just for her. “This is not the end. It’s just the beginning. Take care of yourself, Elena.”

He walked to the door.

“Wait!” Elena’s voice cracked. “Leonard, please ”

He paused but didn’t turn. “When the dust settles, remember this moment.”

Then he left.

Two hours later, the Westwood dining room was buzzing with excitement.

“Finally,” Miranda said, pouring herself wine. “We can fix the family’s image. I knew he’d cave. He’s nothing without us.”

Victor laughed. “That act of his? Over. He’ll crawl back to whatever hole he came from.”

Robert glanced at his phone. “The board’s calmer today. Stonecliff is quiet. Maybe we can finally focus on expansion.”

Then Victor’s phone rang.

“Victor Westwood,” he answered.

A pause. His smile faded. “What? That’s impossible. Who?”

Robert frowned. “What is it?”

Victor’s voice cracked slightly. “Kane Consortium just bought out three of our suppliers. All cash. No negotiations.”

Miranda blinked. “Who is the Kane Consortium?”

Victor’s phone buzzed again. Another call. He answered, voice sharp. “Yes?”

The caller’s voice was loud enough for everyone to hear: “Effective immediately, Kane Consortium owns fifteen percent of Westwood Enterprises. Expect a formal notice by morning.”

Victor’s hand trembled. “Fifteen percent? That’s how? We didn’t approve any sale!”

Robert’s face was drained of color. “Who’s behind this? Who’s Kane?”

Victor’s phone chimed again. A text this time. He opened it and froze.

The message was simple:

“Next time we meet, you will beg me to return. – Leonard Kane.”

The wine glass slipped from Miranda’s hand and shattered.

Across town, Leonard sat in a quiet office, calm as ever. A man in a dark suit handed him a folder.

“It’s done. Three suppliers acquired, stock purchase complete. Westwood won’t even breathe without us knowing.”

Leonard nodded. “Good. Keep it clean. No public noise yet.”

“Understood. And the wife?”

Leonard’s expression softened just slightly. “She’s still part of this. But I’ll decide when she comes back. Right now, the Westwoods need to learn who they’ve been laughing at.”