Chapter 4 - THE COUNTERATTACKBy Monday morning, the news of the Carter family fallout had completely taken over Chicago’s corporate circles.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: BENNETT CAMPAIGN COLLAPSES AMID EMBEZZLEMENT INVESTIGATION; VIVIAN CARTER NAMED CHIEF RECEIVER OF CARTER ENTERPRISES.
CRAIN’S FINANCIAL: DOMINIC BELL BACKS VIVIAN CARTER IN MAJOR REAL ESTATE RESTRUCTURING.
I stood in the corner office of Carter Enterprises on the fortieth floor of the Chase Tower, looking out over the city. The office used to belong to my father, but as of 9:00 AM today, the board had voted unanimously to appoint me as CEO following the asset recovery.
The door to my office opened, and Dominic walked in, carrying two cups of artisan coffee.
"You look natural behind that desk," Dominic said, placing a cup on my coaster, leaning against the edge of the mahogany table.
"I haven't slept in three days," I laughed softly, rubbing my temples. "Ryan's lawyers are trying to block the PAC transfer, claiming I coerced him under emotional distress."
"Let them try," Dominic smiled—a sharp, wolfish grin. "Victoria will have their licenses suspended by Friday."
He paused, his eyes searching my face carefully.
"How are you holding up, Vivian? Really?"
I looked down at my hands, feeling the absence of the engagement ring I had worn for two years.
"I spent two years thinking I was worthless without Ryan," I whispered. "I thought if I worked harder, made him look better, loved him more, he would finally see me. Now I realize... he never saw me at all. He just saw a bank account."
Dominic stepped closer, leaning down until his eyes were level with mine. The scent of dark cedar and expensive tobacco clung to his suit.
"Ryan Bennett was a blind fool," Dominic said softly, his voice thick with uncharacteristic heat. "He had a queen standing beside him, and he traded her for a handful of dirt."
My breath hitched in my throat. The air between us suddenly grew thick, charged with an undeniable, electric energy that had been building since the night at the Sterling Hotel.
Before either of us could speak, my intercom buzzed loudly.
"Ms. Carter!" my secretary’s panicked voice sounded through the speaker. "We have a security breach on floor thirty-eight! Ryan Bennett is downstairs with a group of investors! He’s claiming he still holds fifty percent of the voting shares!"
May you like
Dominic’s eyes instantly turned back to ice.
"It seems our ghost hasn't realized he’s dead yet," Dominic said quietly. "Shall we go show him?"
