Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 101 - Chapitre 110

Alexander's POVTwo weeks after William's investment blocked Victor's takeover I got a call from Diana with troubling news."Victor's been meeting regularly with Sophia Martinez." Diana's voice was concerned. "Three times in the past week at his office.""Why would he meet with her after she got exposed as his informant?" I pulled up my calendar to see when I could discuss this with Lily."Maybe planning something new." Diana sent through surveillance photos. "Alexander, these meetings last hours. They're working on something substantial."I looked at the photos showing Victor and Sophia in deep conversation at a restaurant.Their body language suggested conspiracy not casual meetings."Keep monitoring them." I instructed. "I want to know everyone they meet with and everything they discuss.""Already on it." Diana paused. "Alexander, Victor's also been liquidating assets. Moving large amounts of cash around.""How much cash?" That detail worried me."About fifty million over two weeks

Alexander's POVThe charity gala continued and I watched Victor work the room making calculated conversation with influential people.He was building support for something and the careful way he spoke suggested imminent attack.I was discussing investment strategy with William when Victor approached our group."William Chen. The white knight who saved Thompson Enterprises." Victor's tone was mocking. "Tell me, how does it feel knowing you invested in a company built on nepotism and ethical violations?""It feels profitable." William's voice was cold. "Thompson Enterprises is performing well despite your attempts to sabotage it.""Sabotage." Victor laughed. "I simply exposed the truth about unqualified leadership and cozy relationships that benefit certain parties.""You mean Lily and Alexander's partnership?" William asked directly. "They've proven highly effective as leadership team.""Partnership." Victor emphasized the word suggestively. "Is that what we're calling it when CEO and

Alexander's POVAfter three days of media speculation and board member calls we decided to hold a formal press conference addressing our relationship directly."Better to control the narrative than let reporters speculate." I explained to Lily as we prepared talking points."Are you sure we should do this?" Lily looked nervous. "Maybe the attention will die down if we just ignore it.""It won't die down until we address it directly." I pulled up examples of similar situations. "We need to own the story."James helped us prepare for difficult questions reporters would likely ask."They'll push on the genetic relationship." James warned. "Have a clear answer ready.""We're first cousins once removed which is legal in every state and shares minimal DNA." I recited our prepared response. "The relationship is distant enough to have no biological concerns.""What about conflicts of interest?" James pushed. "How do you ensure personal relationship doesn't interfere with business decisions?"

Alexander's POVThe week after Victor's fraud allegations we needed normalcy and comfort more than ever."Move in with me." I said to Lily one evening as we were leaving her cramped apartment for the third night in a row."What?" She stopped gathering her things."Your apartment is small and we spend every night together anyway." I gestured around the studio space. "My penthouse has room for both of us and your art supplies.""Alexander, we've been together for like six weeks." Lily looked uncertain. "Isn't moving in together too fast?""We've known each other for three months and been through hell together." I pulled her close. "That's more intense than most couples experience in years. Besides, we practically live together already.""That's different from officially moving in." But I could see her considering it."How?" I challenged. "You sleep at my place most nights. Half your clothes are already in my closet. What's the actual difference?""The difference is commitment." Lily's v

Alexander's POVThree days after the disaster dinner my grandmother showed up at my office unannounced."We need to talk." She walked in without waiting for invitation. "About your inappropriate relationship.""If you're here to insult Lily again you can leave." I didn't stand or offer her a seat. "I meant what I said about boundaries.""I'm here because I care about your future." Margaret sat anyway. "Alexander, this girl is using you just like her mother used Richard.""Lily isn't using me." My voice was hard. "She's my partner in every sense and I won't tolerate you disrespecting her.""You're blinded by infatuation." Margaret's tone was condescending. "In six months you'll realize she's after your money and position. By then it will be too late.""I'm going to say this once." I stood and moved around my desk. "Lily Rose is the woman I love and plan to spend my life with. Your approval isn't required or desired.""She's Richard's bastard daughter." Margaret's voice rose. "A constan