Chapter 4: The Devil’s Bargain
The morning after the auction, Kimberly arrived at Holden Group headquarters at dawn. The boardroom smelled of freshly brewed coffee and old money—her family’s legacy, now hers to reclaim.
Her father’s former lawyer, Charles Whitmore, slid a folder across the table. “Declan’s been siphoning funds from Walsh Holdings into offshore accounts. He’s leveraged to the hilt.”
Kimberly traced the numbers with a manicured nail. “Enough to bankrupt him if I call in the loans?”
Charles hesitated. “Yes, but—”
“Do it.”
Her phone buzzed. An unknown number.
“You left quite a mess last night.” Lucian Howard’s voice was like dark honey. “I’d like to discuss that down payment in person.”
Howard Tower, 8:47 AM
Lucian’s penthouse office overlooked the entire city—just like the man himself.
“You’re not here for the necklace.” Kimberly didn’t sit.
“No.” He poured two glasses of bourbon—neat. “I want the land under Walsh Shipping’s main port.”
She stiffened. That land was Holden Group’s last untouched asset—the key to rebuilding her family’s empire.
“Why?”
“Because Declan stole it from you.” He pushed a deed across the desk. “Forged your father’s signature six months before he died.”
The paper burned her fingers. She’d known Declan was ruthless, but this—
Lucian leaned in. “Give me the land, and I’ll give you something better.”
“Which is?”
“Him.” A photo slid toward her: Declan entering a seedy motel with Valerie… and a child.
Kimberly’s breath stopped.
“His son,” Lucian murmured. “Born three months before your wedding.”
The room tilted. All those times Declan called Valerie “just family“—
“The press would devour this.” Her voice was steel. “Why haven’t you used it?”
Lucian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I was waiting for you.”
Meanwhile, Across Town
Valerie smashed a vase against Declan’s office wall. “She’s ruining everything!”
Declan scrolled through plunging stock prices. “We need leverage.”
“I have leverage.” Valerie pulled out a USB. “Her mother’s medical records. The real reason she died.”
Declan went very still. “You swore you destroyed those.”
“Guess I lied.” She kissed his cheek. “Just like you lied about loving her.”