Chapter Sixty-Eight: Power and Predators

The boardroom felt different this time.

Maybe it was because Marcus Blackstone was sitting in a federal holding cell instead of plotting my destruction. Maybe it was because the Van Alston stock price had soared thirty percent overnight once news of his arrest hit the markets. Or maybe it was simply because I walked in knowing I belonged here.

Twelve faces looked at me with expressions ranging from admiration to resignation. Even Maeve couldn't quite manage her usual hostility, though she was clearly trying.

"The vote is straightforward," Richard Morrison said, consulting the documents spread in front of him. "Victoria Van Alston's will specifies that upon proof of identity and demonstration of competency, her granddaughter inherits full controlling interest in Van Alston Industries."

"Along with all subsidiary holdings," Catherine Mills added, pulling up financial projections on her tablet. "Twelve companies across six countries, with combined assets valued at approximately 2.8 billion dollars."

The numbers were staggering. A month ago, I'd been worried about paying rent on a tiny apartment. Now I was about to become one of the wealthiest women in America.

"I object to this proceeding," Maeve said, her voice sharp with barely controlled fury. "Victoria is still unconscious. We don't know if these arrangements reflect her current wishes."

"The will is legally binding," Richard replied. "And witnessed by three independent parties. Victoria's wishes are clear."

"Her wishes were formed before she knew about the chaos this girl would bring to the company," Maeve snapped. "The media circus, the federal investigations, the stock price volatility—"

"All of which resulted in the destruction of a criminal enterprise and the protection of fifty thousand jobs," Catherine interrupted. "I'd say that demonstrates exceptional competency."

The debate continued for another twenty minutes, but the outcome was never really in doubt. Eleven board members voted to grant me immediate access to my inheritance. Only Maeve dissented, her face growing paler with each "yes" that sealed her loss of power.

"Congratulations, Miss Van Alston," Richard said with a smile that was warmer than I'd expected. "You are now the controlling shareholder and chairman of Van Alston Industries."

Miss Van Alston. Not Mrs. Blackwood. The distinction wasn't lost on me.

"Thank you," I said, trying to process the magnitude of what had just happened. "I won't let you down."

"I'm sure you won't," Richard said, his eyes lingering on me in a way that made my skin crawl slightly.

As the board members filed out, I remained in my chair, staring at the documents that had just made me one of the most powerful people in corporate America. The responsibility was overwhelming, but underneath the anxiety was something that felt suspiciously like righteous satisfaction.

Victoria's empire was safe. Her legacy was secure. And I was finally, officially, undeniably the Van Alston heiress.

"Quite a day," a voice said behind me.

I turned to find Richard Morrison closing the boardroom door, his expression shifting into something that made every instinct I'd developed over the past month start screaming warnings.

"It is," I said carefully, standing and gathering my papers. "Thank you for your support during the vote."

"My support comes with expectations," he said, moving closer than was professionally appropriate.

I took a step back, maintaining distance between us. "What kind of expectations?"

"The kind that could be very beneficial for both of us." His smile was all teeth and no warmth. "You're young, Scarlett. Inexperienced in the complexities of running a multinational corporation. You'll need allies. Mentors. People who can guide you through the more... delicate aspects of business."

"I appreciate the offer," I said, "but I'm confident I can handle my responsibilities."

"I'm sure you are." He took another step closer, and I caught the scent of expensive cologne and something else—something predatory that reminded me uncomfortably of Marcus Blackstone. "But there are aspects of power that can't be learned from textbooks or financial reports."

My back hit the wall of windows, and I realized he'd been maneuvering me away from the door. Away from any easy escape.

"Richard," I said, my voice taking on the cold authority I'd learned from watching Dominic handle threats. "I think there's been a misunderstanding."

"Has there?" His hand came up to rest against the window beside my head, effectively trapping me. "You're incredibly beautiful, Scarlett. And now you're incredibly powerful. That's a very attractive combination."

The words hit me like ice water. "Are you seriously propositioning me?"

"I'm offering you a partnership," he said, his voice dropping to what he probably thought was a seductive tone. "Personal and professional. I have connections you need, experience you lack. And you... well, you have assets that I find very appealing."

"Assets?" I couldn't keep the disgust out of my voice.

"Your beauty. Your youth. Your newfound wealth." His free hand reached toward my face, and I jerked away. "Imagine what we could accomplish together. The deals we could make. The power we could wield."

"I'm married," I said flatly.

"To a man who wasn't even here today." Richard's smile turned cruel. "Where is your devoted husband, Scarlett? Why isn't he celebrating your victory with you?"

The question stung because I'd wondered the same thing. Dominic had insisted I attend this meeting alone, claiming I needed to establish my independence as the Van Alston heir. At the time, it had felt like trust. Now, with Richard's predatory attention focused on me, it felt like abandonment.

"Dominic trusts me to handle my own business affairs," I said.

"Does he? Or does he simply not care as much as you thought?" Richard leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Powerful men don't share power, Scarlett. They use it. Just like I'm offering to use mine for your benefit."

"Get away from me," I said, my voice low and dangerous.

"Think about what I'm offering," he continued, ignoring my warning. "I know every major player in six different industries. I have relationships with senators, judges, regulators. I could make your transition to power seamless."

"Or you could make it very difficult if I refuse," I said, understanding dawning. "Is that the threat here, Richard?"

His smile widened. "I prefer to think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You're going to need all the friends you can get, Scarlett. Corporate America isn't kind to young women who think they can change the rules."

"I don't want to change the rules," I said, something cold and furious rising in my chest. "I want to destroy them. Just like I destroyed Marcus Blackstone."

For the first time, uncertainty flickered in his eyes.

"You might want to remember," I continued, "that the last man who underestimated me is currently in federal custody awaiting trial for racketeering."

I ducked under his arm and moved toward the door, my heart pounding with adrenaline and rage.

"This isn't over, Scarlett," he called after me. "You'll need allies eventually. And when you do, you'll remember my offer."

I paused with my hand on the door handle. "No, Richard. What I'll remember is that you're exactly the kind of predator I'm going to spend my fortune destroying."

The door closed behind me with a satisfying click, but I could feel his eyes on me through the glass. Calculating. Planning. Waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Walking through the Van Alston building toward the elevators, I felt the weight of what had just happened settling into my bones. I'd won my inheritance, but I'd also made an enemy. Richard Morrison had shown me that the war wasn't over—it had just changed battlefields.

Being powerful meant becoming a target.

Being wealthy meant attracting predators.

Being a woman with both meant fighting battles that men never had to consider.

My phone buzzed with a text from Dominic: How did it go?

I stared at the message, feeling a complicated mix of love and frustration. He'd trusted me to handle this alone, which was exactly what I'd wanted. But right now, part of me wished he'd been there to witness Richard's proposition. To see the look in that bastard's eyes when he'd cornered me.

It went well, I typed back. I'll tell you everything when I get home.

But as I stepped into the elevator that would take me down sixty floors to street level, I wondered if I would tell him everything. Richard's words echoed in my mind—where was my devoted husband? Why wasn't he here?

The truth was, I wasn't sure I knew the answer.

What I did know was that Richard Morrison had just made the same mistake that Marcus Blackstone had made.

He'd underestimated exactly how dangerous I could be when someone threatened my family.

And I was about to show him just how expensive that mistake could be.