Chapter 9 - The AllianceI studied Marcus across the desk, weighing his words. In the cutthroat corporate world, trust was a luxury currency, and family ties meant even less—as Julian had so vividly demonstrated.
"You want a joint venture," I said, my voice level. "Why come to me directly instead of going through normal corporate acquisition channels?"
Marcus smiled, leaning forward. "Because, Elena, I watched our father build this empire, and I watched Julian nearly crash it into the dirt because he underestimated you. When I read about your boardroom coup, I didn't see a betrayed housewife acting out of emotion. I saw a brilliant strategist who played a long, flawless game. I respect that. In fact... I admire it."
The compliment hung in the air, warm and surprisingly genuine. For the first time in years, someone in this brutal industry was looking at me not as an accessory or an obstacle, but as an equal peer.
"If we form this alliance, Marcus, the terms are entirely on my grid," I stated clearly, letting my authority ring out. "You take a minority stake in the European subsidiary, and my legal team retains absolute veto power over all operational expenditures. No backroom deals, no hidden slush funds."
Marcus chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Agreed completely. I wouldn't dream of playing games with a woman who outmaneuvered my brother and sent him to federal prison in under a month. You are terrifying, Elena. And brilliant."
We stood up simultaneously and shook hands. The grip was firm, confident, and sealed a partnership that would permanently cement Vance Global as an unstoppable global juggernaut.
As Marcus turned to leave the office, he paused at the door and glanced back. "By the way... Julian sends his regards from Cell Block C."
May you like
I raised an eyebrow. "You visited him?"
Marcus gave a cold, detached shrug. "Once. I brought him a book on corporate humility. He threw it at the guard. Some people never learn."
