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The tablet screen flickered, casting a cold, fluorescent blue glow over Preston’s pale face. The murmur of wedding guests died instantly, replaced by a suffocating silence so heavy you could hear the frantic rhythm of Sophie’s breathing against my shoulder. / Chapter 7 / 10

Chapter 7 - The Final SerpentJust as the last director scurried out of the boardroom, a soft knock echoed at the heavy double doors.

The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was Jonathan Sterling—billionaire media mogul and father of Cynthia, the runaway bride. He wasn't wearing a tuxedo anymore; instead, he wore a grim, calculating expression.

"Elena," Jonathan said, offering a tight, respectful nod. "I wondered when the mysterious queen of the logistics world would finally show her hand."

"Jonathan," I replied, gesturing to the seat across from me. "I assume you're here to negotiate damages for your daughter's canceled wedding?"

Jonathan chuckled, taking a seat. "My daughter dumped a narcissistic sociopath who physically assaulted an innocent child on live television. I should be thanking you for saving her from a lifetime of misery. In fact, Sterling Media is ready to broadcast an exclusive, unedited expose on the entire Thornton corruption ring tomorrow morning."

"I expected nothing less from a shrewd businessman," I remarked. "What's the catch?"

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@The heavy oak floorboards groaned under the boots of the approaching man, a low, rhythmic sound that cut through the chatter of the room like a blade. The two young bucks standing beside my stool didn’t hear it at first. They were still basking in the cheap warmth of their own cruelty, chuckling over the prospect of sending me off to find a candlelit wine bar with miniature cheese boards.

@The heavy oak floorboards groaned under the boots of the approaching ma...

Alexander Reed did not breathe. For three agonizing seconds, the air inside the grand marble foyer seemed to freeze, trapped beneath the weight of a horrific realization. The man who controlled eighty percent of the city's tech infrastructure, whose signature could bankrupt corporations and whose name was whispered with a mix of awe and terror in boardrooms, was suddenly nothing more than a terrified son.

Alexander Reed did not breathe. For three agonizing seconds, the air ins...

🔥 BREAKING: MAFIA BOSS RUNS INTO EXPLOSIVE BALCONY TRAP TO SAVE HIS DAUGHTER AFTER 14-YEAR BETRAYAL EXPOSED! 😱

🔥 BREAKING: MAFIA BOSS RUNS INTO EXPLOSIVE BALCONY TRAP TO SAVE HIS DAU...

Jonathan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "The catch is simple. With the Thorntons out of the picture, the entire shipping and media monopoly of the eastern seaboard is up for grabs. I want a strategic merger between Sterling Media and Vance Global Logistics. Fifty-fifty partnership."

I looked at him for a long moment, a slow smile spreading across my face. "You drive a hard bargain, Jonathan. But before we talk business... let's talk about Margaret."

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