Chapter 34
Chapter 34:
“No,” she whispered. “I’m not hiding anymore p>
She pulled the invitation back. Her eyes hardened.
“I’ll go. And I’ll wear red p>
The whiskey bar was dark, smelling of aged oak, expensive cigars, and old money. It was the kind of place where deals were made in hushed tones and reputations were destroyed with a whisper.
Sterling Thorne sat in a semi-circular leather booth, holding court. He was surrounded by four potential investors—men in gray suits who looked like sharks sensing blood.
Julian Reed walked in. He was there to meet a contact for Elias, but Sterling spotted him immediately.
“Julian!” Sterling shouted, waving his glass of scotch. “Over here! Come have a drink with the big boys p>
Julian hesitated. He wanted to leave, but ignoring the family loudmouth in public would cause a scene. He walked over, his expression polite but guarded.
“Sterling,” Julian nodded. “I can’t stay p>
Sterling grabbed Julian’s shoulder, pulling him close. He turned to the investors, grinning like a used car salesman.
“Gentlemen, you know my cousin Julian, right? Elias’s right hand.” Sterling winked. “Tell them, Julian. Tell them how close Thorne Industries and Sterling Conglomerate are getting. We’re practically family, right p>
It was a vague statement, carefully worded to imply a merger without legally stating one.
The investors leaned in, looking impressed. “Is there a partnership in the works p>
Julian smiled. It was a tight, plastic smile. “I cannot comment on market rumors, gentlemen p>
It was a non-denial. In the corporate world, a non-denial was often taken as a confirmation.
𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖘𝖙 𝖘𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖊: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Sterling slapped the table. “See? He’s being coy! It’s happening!” He pulled out his phone and snapped a selfie with Julian, who looked uncomfortable. He posted it to Instagram immediately.
Caption: Family Business. Big things coming. #Empire #Thorne #Legacy #Synergy
Scene Shift: A Penthouse in Tribeca.
Aurora stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror. The dress was red. Not a soft rose or a cheerful cherry, but a deep, blood red.
It was backless, clinging to her frame like a second skin. It was scandalous. It was a weapon.
Her phone buzzed. Victor.
“Did you see it?” Victor asked.
“See what p>
“Sterling’s Instagram. He’s implying a merger with Elias. His stock is up 4% in after-hours trading p>
Aurora checked the feed. She saw Sterling’s smug face. She saw Julian looking trapped.
“He’s pumping the stock,” Aurora said calmly. “He’s desperate for capital to fight us p>
“Should we issue a statement?” Victor asked. “Should we tell the press he’s lying p>
Aurora adjusted the strap of her dress. She looked at her reflection. Her eyes were cold.
“No,” she said. “Let him climb. Let the stock go higher p>