CHAPTER 6 — The Man Who Claimed He Owned Everything
A tall man in an expensive Italian suit stormed into the lobby surrounded by four bodyguards.
His confidence filled the room.
His smile was cold.
"Where is Lucas Carter?"
Nobody answered.
The stranger slammed a thick leather folder onto the reception desk.
"My name is Damian Wolfe."
"I represent Wolfe International Holdings."
Several executives exchanged uneasy glances.
They knew the name.
Damian Wolfe wasn't just another billionaire.
He was famous for buying struggling companies, destroying their founders, and taking everything they owned.
Damian looked around the lobby.
"I've come to purchase Carter Aerospace."
Employees couldn't help laughing.
One executive shook his head.
"You can't buy Carter Aerospace."
Damian smiled.
"We'll see."
Just then...
Lucas stepped out of the elevator.
The lobby fell silent.
Damian extended his hand.
"Mr. Carter."
"I admire young businessmen."
Lucas ignored the handshake.
"What do you want?"
Damian slid the folder across the desk.
"A cash offer."
"Eighteen billion dollars."
Gasps echoed through the lobby.
It was the largest acquisition proposal anyone had ever heard.
Lucas didn't even open the folder.
"No."
Damian chuckled.
"You didn't read it."
"I don't need to."
Damian leaned closer.
"Everyone has a price."
Lucas answered calmly.
"My grandfather built this company to protect people."
"Not to make someone richer."
Damian's smile disappeared.
"Then perhaps I'll take it another way."
He snapped his fingers.
One of the bodyguards turned on the giant television in the lobby.
Breaking News flashed across every screen.
ASHFORD PROPERTIES UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION.
Victoria froze.
Her father...
Richard Ashford...
appeared on television being escorted out of corporate headquarters by federal agents.
Reporters shouted questions from every direction.
"Mr. Ashford!"
"Did your company falsify financial reports?"
"Were investors deceived?"
"Did you hide billions in debt?"
Victoria's knees nearly gave out.
"No..."
"No..."
She looked helplessly toward Lucas.
"I swear..."
"I didn't know."
Lucas studied her face carefully.
There was no calculation.
No acting.
Only genuine shock.
Damian smiled.
"I've already bought most of Ashford's debt."
"When the company collapses..."
"I'll own everything."
He looked directly at Victoria.
"Unless..."
"You convince Lucas Carter to sell me his company."
The lobby became terrifyingly quiet.
Damian had just turned Victoria into the weapon meant to destroy the man she loved.
Lucas slowly looked at her.
Neither of them spoke.
Because both understood...
The next decision Victoria made would determine not only the future of Carter Aerospace—
But whether Lucas could ever believe in her again.
And neither of them noticed...
An elderly woman sitting quietly in the lobby café lowered her newspaper, revealing a familiar silver family crest on her necklace.
She smiled faintly.
May you like
"I suppose it's finally time..."
"The last Carter reveals herself."
