2026-02-20 19:00:19
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter Three Hundred And Ninety
Elise called Viktor instead of approaching Lukas directly. Some instinct told her that Lukas would be more receptive to Viktor's advocacy than her own pleading."I need to speak with him again," she said when Viktor answered. "I know he refused, I know I have no right to ask, but Erik is threatening to release compromising information unless I surrender within twenty-four hours. I need leverage, and Lukas might be the only person who has it."Viktor was quiet for a moment. "Erik's threatening blackmail?""Yes. Documentation of questionable business decisions, private conversations, things that could trigger regulatory investigations or shareholder lawsuits. He's giving me one day to capitulate or he releases everything.""That's a serious escalation.""I know. Sofia and I have been trying to find our own leverage, but we're running out of time. Lukas observed Erik during those months he was attending events. He might have noticed things, documented things that could give us what we ne
Chapter Three Hundred And Eighty Nine
After Erik left, Elise sat frozen at her desk for several minutes. The threat echoed in her mind, each implication worse than the last.Documentation of questionable decisions. Recordings of private conversations. Evidence of financial irregularities.She tried to catalog what Erik might have. The regulatory shortcuts they'd discussed in private—minor violations, timing issues, nothing prosecutable but potentially embarrassing. The quarterly results she'd asked her CFO to massage to look better for investor presentations. The times she'd used company resources for what could be construed as personal benefit, though the lines were blurry. The conflicts of interest she'd rationalized as necessary business decisions.All of it documented. All of it recordable. All of it devastating if released in the right context with the right framing.She pulled out her phone and called Sofia immediately."Erik just left my office," Elise said without preamble. "He's threatening to release compromisin
Chapter Three Hundred And Eighty Eight
Sofia moved with surgical precision.Over the next week, she arranged discreet meetings with several key investors funding Erik's takeover. Not the aggressive distressed-asset specialists who profited from corporate destruction, but the ethical wealth managers who prioritized reputation and long-term returns."These investors think they're backing a legitimate acquisition by a successful businessman," Sofia explained to Elise. "They don't know about Erik's pattern because he's careful to compartmentalize his reputation. The venture capitalists see the tech success story. The private equity firms see the profitable exits. Nobody sees the complete picture of destroyed companies and devastated stakeholders.""Until now.""Until now." Sofia smiled slightly. "I'm simply providing complete information so they can make informed decisions."The first meeting was with Hendrik Van Oosten, a Dutch investment manager whose family firm had been operating for four generations. Sofia met him at his
Chapter Three Hundred And Eighty Seven
Elise accepted Sofia's partnership out of necessity more than trust. The alternative was continuing alone against an opponent who had already proven he could manipulate her, and that path led only to defeat.They signed the agreement at three in the morning, Sofia's lawyers having prepared the documents with remarkable speed. Fifteen percent equity, preference for future investments, ongoing business relationship. The terms were demanding but not unreasonable—Sofia was taking a substantial stake in a company under siege, after all."I'll need complete access to your operations," Sofia said as Elise signed. "Financial records, shareholder communications, board meeting minutes, everything. I can't develop effective strategy with incomplete information.""Agreed.""And I need you to follow my strategic direction even when it's uncomfortable. If I tell you to make a statement, you make it. If I tell you to approach a shareholder, you approach them. Hesitation will undermine everything."E
Chapter Three Hundred And Eighty Six
Sofia stepped into Elise's penthouse with the fluid confidence of someone accustomed to controlling any room she occupied. She moved past Elise without waiting for invitation, her eyes scanning the space with the practiced assessment of a predator evaluating territory."You have excellent taste," Sofia said, gesturing to the minimalist furnishings, the carefully curated art on the walls. "Though I'd recommend replacing that Mondrian reproduction with something original. You can afford it, and reproductions always feel desperate."Elise closed the door, still processing Sofia's unexpected arrival. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you're doing here. It's after midnight, and I don't recall—""Lukas told me you need help with Erik de Vries." Sofia settled into one of the leather chairs without being offered, crossing her legs with casual elegance. "I'm here because I have information about Erik that could be useful to you. And because helping you serves my interests.""Your interes
Chapter Three Hundred And Eighty Five
Elise watched Lukas leave, his footsteps fading down the Stahl estate's marble hallway until silence returned. She stood alone in the library for several minutes, staring at the closed door, understanding that she'd lost more than just his help.She'd lost the last connection to the person she used to be before ambition consumed her.The rejection was earned. She knew that intellectually, could trace the logic of his refusal through every choice she'd made, every moment she'd prioritized her mother's approval over his dignity. But knowing it was deserved didn't make it hurt less.She gathered her briefcase with mechanical precision, locked the documents away, straightened her dress. The motions of composure even when everything inside felt shattered.Viktor met her at the entrance, his expression sympathetic."I take it the conversation didn't go as hoped.""He refused. Politely, but definitively." Elise's voice was steady through effort. "Which is his right. I have no claim on his he
You may also like
Savvy Son-in-law
VKBoy229.6K viewsThe Midnight Heir
South Ashan99.4K viewsAn Understated Dominance
Marina Vittori11.5M viewsThe Almighty Dominance
Sunshine1.8M viewsRevenge in a Suit
Mitch-Pen363 viewsAshes Between Us
RebornWill 334 viewsTHE HUMILIATED GROOM RETURNS AS A DEITY GOD.
Llamanipulatrice806 viewsThe Ghost Doctor
April-Ink356 views