Semua Bab The Billionaire’s Broken Contract: Bab 91 - Bab 100

Riley pov For twenty minutes, Dr. Vasquez presents data that supports every aspect of my proposal. Her passion for her work shows in every statistic, every case study. Children in stable housing have better health outcomes. Families with integrated services are more likely to achieve long-term stability.The board members take notes, ask questions, their skepticism slowly melting into understanding."The problem," Dr. Vasquez concludes, her voice carrying the weight of years of frustration, "is that we treat homelessness as a moral failing instead of a system failure."After the doctor leaves, Robert clears his throat. His expensive tie seems to tighten around his neck. "This is compelling, Riley. But the board's concern isn't about the need, it's about your ability to manage such a large operation.""Then let me ask you something," I reply, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "How many of you have ever been responsible for keeping another human being alive with no resources?"Silenc

Riley pov "But that's exactly what Victoria wants. She wants me to be so afraid that I sabotage myself." The realization crystallizes as I speak.Brett sits beside me on the window seat, the cushion dipping under his weight. "So what do you want to do instead?""I want to go on the offensive." The idea has been growing in my mind all afternoon."How?" He turns to face me, his expression serious but not dismissive."The charity gala next week. Instead of canceling, I want to make it bigger. More public, more high-profile." My pulse quickens with the boldness of it."Riley, that's risky. If Victoria's planning something—" His protective instincts flare, worry creasing his brow."Then she'll have to do it in front of five hundred witnesses." I meet his eyes, letting him see my determination."Or she'll have five hundred opportunities to humiliate you." His counterpoint is valid, logical, and exactly what I expected.I turn to face him fully, studying the concern in his features. "Do you

Riley's POV"Augustine Sam?" I stare at Brett in disbelief, my coffee cup forgotten in my hands. "Your business partner Augustine?"Brett's face is stone, every muscle tight with controlled fury. The morning light streaming through his office windows makes his expression look carved from granite. "Former business partner, as of right now.""Brett, wait. Are you sure Jack is right about this?" My voice wavers with uncertainty. Augustine has been like family to us."Augustine has access to everything. Our personal accounts, our security systems, our legal documents." Brett's hands clench on his desk. "If someone wanted detailed information about our lives, he'd be the perfect source."I think about all the times Augustine has been in our home. All the family dinners where he sat at our table, laughing with Lily. All the conversations about my past, about our relationship, about our plans. My stomach churns with betrayal."He's been feeding information to Victoria this whole time?" The w

Riley's POV"Two years ago, you were the most feared businessman in the city. Now you're playing house with a homeless girl and her bastard daughter."Brett's hands clench into fists, his knuckles white with restraint. "Watch your mouth.""She's made you soft, weak." Augustine's voice grows stronger, fed by his own conviction. "You skip board meetings for school plays. You turn down profitable deals because they don't align with her precious moral standards.""Those are called priorities, Augustine." Brett's hands remain clenched, his voice shaking with controlled rage."Those are called distractions." Augustine's voice rises, echoing off the walls. "Graham Industries was our empire. Now you've abandoned it for her charity project."I find my voice, though it comes out smaller than I intended. "Is that why you helped Victoria? Because you think I'm bad for Brett?""I know you're bad for Brett." Augustine's certainty is absolute, unshakeable. "And for the company, for everyone who depe

Riley's POVThe Sterling Heights Grand Ballroom is magnificent, filled with five hundred of the city's most influential people. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over designer gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos. The air buzzes with conversation and clinking glasses.I scan the crowd for Victoria but don't see her yet. My shoulders stay tense, waiting."She'll make an entrance," Brett murmurs against my ear. "She always does." His hand finds the small of my back, steadying me.For the first hour, everything goes perfectly. The foundation presentation is well-received, donations pour in, and several board members congratulate me on the pilot program approval. I start to breathe easier.Maybe she won't come. Maybe this will actually be okay.I'm beginning to think Victoria decided not to show when Marcus appears at my elbow. His usually calm face looks worried."Riley, we have a situation." His voice is carefully controlled.My stomach drops. "What kind of situation?""Victoria Ste