Chapter 4

Gina continued, "The overseas capital Ms. Farley secured runs deep, and we no longer have any cards left to play."

She even turned and addressed Lucille humbly.

"Ms. Farley, once Mr. Townsend signs the contract, I hope you'll honor your promise and preserve the several trust funds held in the Townsend family's names. That's where we draw the line."

Lucille gave a magnanimous wave of her hand. "Of course. When it comes to doing business, I pride myself on being a woman of my word."

What a perfectly staged performance.

Sitting on the couch, I crushed the mint between my teeth.

Over the last decade, Gina had gained an all-too-thorough understanding of every member of the Townsend family. She knew what Dad cared about the most, what Evelyn's vulnerabilities were, and how to make Julian give up resisting with the gentlest words.

She had created the illusion that she'd already done everything she could and that this was the best possible solution. She laid out the path to ensure that the Townsends would willingly walk into their own doom.

I got up and headed straight to the conference table.

When I reached for the agreement, Julian grabbed me. His hand was cold as he pulled me back with unquestionable force.

"Be good, Logan," he said, his voice soft and very gentle. "Just sit still. It'll be over soon."

He pressed down on my shoulder, forcing me onto a chair. No one saw me as a threat. They didn't think I was capable of causing any trouble.

They only saw me as a burden that needed to be forcibly pacified—a useless prop that would only make things worse in a crisis.

Gina watched as I was pushed onto the chair, the corners of her lips lifting ever so slightly. She extended the fountain pen a little farther.

"Sign it, Mr. Townsend."

Dad drew a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were filled with utter defeat.

He took the fountain pen with a shaky hand. The nib left a black blot of ink on the paper.

"Once you sign the contract, it'll all be over."

Lucille stood to watch like a hunter watching its prey fall into a trap. Her smile slowly widened.

I stared at Dad's trembling hand. Memories from my previous life flooded my mind. I saw the mountains of case files and all the long hours I spent engaged in fiery battles in the courtroom.

I'd sworn that I wouldn't let myself be dragged into that same vicious cycle this time around.

However, I was now watching as my family was driven to the edge of the cliff and expected to be grateful to the people who were destroying them. I had to sit here and look at Gina's sanctimonious expression.

I couldn't suppress the fire burning inside me anymore. I'd had enough. I was fed up with the bullshit I'd been hearing this whole time.

Just as the pen was about to touch the paper, I suddenly shot to my feet, shrugging off Julian's hand. I moved so quickly that no one had time to react. I rushed straight to the table and slammed my hand down on the contract.

"Logan!" Evelyn shouted sharply as she rushed over to pull me away. "Let go. Stop messing around!"

Anger had crept into her voice, but I ignored her. Instead, I snatched up the thick document and flipped it to the third page before slamming it back down on the table.

Gina froze and instinctively reached out to snatch the contract away from me.

I eyed her coldly. Her hand froze in midair. The entire conference room fell silent.

Everyone stared at me wide-eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing.

After clearing my throat, I uttered the first words I'd ever spoken as Logan Townsend, my voice crisp and clear.

"Why do I see conflicting provisions between the main terms of the agreement and the supplementary clauses? If my father signs this, the Townsend family will not only walk away with nothing but will even be saddled with a ten-billion-dollar debt."

I flashed Gina a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "You drive a hell of a bargain, Ms. Whitman. Should we thank you for this incredible deal you've dropped in our lap?"