Chapter 6 - The Trap is SetThe next morning, the sun broke through the storm clouds, casting a sharp, blinding light across the glass skyscrapers of downtown.
Inside his top-floor boardroom, Alexander Reed sat at the head of the massive obsidian table. He looked impeccably sharp in a tailored charcoal suit, his expression carved from absolute ice. No one in the room could guess the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.
The double doors swung open, and Richard Sterling strode in, clutching a stack of quarterly reports. Richard was a slick, ambitious man in his late forties with sharp eyes and an easy, predatory smile.
"Good morning, Alex," Richard said smoothly, taking his seat to Alexander's immediate right. "You look like you didn't sleep a wink. I suppose the merger negotiations with the European conglomerate are keeping you up?"
Alexander kept his gaze fixed on his laptop screen. "Not the merger, Richard. Something much closer to home. Let's talk about family legacy."
Richard’s smile flickered for a fraction of a second—just a micro-expression of unease—before he recovered. "Family? You don't have a family, Alex. You gave up on that years ago when your sister passed away. Speaking of which, didn't her estate audit finish clearing out last month? All remaining assets automatically transfer to the corporate philanthropic fund under your control."
"Do they?" Alexander asked softly, finally turning his head to look directly into Richard's eyes. "Or did someone forge the beneficiary clauses ten years ago?"
Richard’s face went rigid. The polished confidence vanished, replaced by a sudden, cold panic. "What are you talking about?"
May you like
"Let's bring in a special guest to refresh your memory," Alexander said, pressing the intercom button on his desk. "Security, please escort Maria Alvarez and her daughter into the boardroom."
The heavy doors clicked open. Maria walked in, holding little Mia tightly by the hand. The little girl wore a clean dress now, her hair neatly brushed, holding her head high with the unmistakable pride of a Reed.
