CHAPTER 13
Two hours later,
the glass doors of the lobby slid open.
A man walked in,
surrounded by a dozen lawyers in black suits.
It was Julian Vance,
looking exactly like the photograph,
only older and more dangerous.
His silver hair was perfectly combed,
and his eyes remained ice-cold.
He walked straight to the executive elevator,
ignoring the security guards who tried to stop him.
He reached the top floor,
stepping into my office without an invitation.
I remained seated behind my desk,
refusing to show any sign of fear.
Liam stood beside me,
his posture tense and ready for action.
"Emily,"
Vance said,
his voice smooth like silk.
"You look so much like your father,
but I hope you are smarter than him."
"Get out of my office,"
I replied coldly,
staring him down.
"You have no right to be here."
He laughed softly,
a sound that sent chills down my spine.
"As of ten minutes ago,
Vanguard Holdings owns forty percent of Apex,"
he stated,
tossing a legal document onto my desk.
"I have every right to be here,
my dear."
"You bought those shares through illegal manipulation,"
Liam countered,
stepping forward.
Vance glanced at Liam,
his expression filled with absolute disdain.
"Ah,
the doctor,"
Vance sneered,
dismissing him instantly.
"Stick to saving lives,
young man,
because you cannot save this company."
He turned his attention back to me,
leaning over the mahogany desk.
"I am offering you a choice,
Emily."
"Sign over your remaining shares,
and walk away with a fortune."
"Refuse,
and I will destroy everything your father built,
including your precious friends."
The ultimatum hung in the air,
heavy and suffocating.
I looked at the document,
then looked directly into his eyes.
I picked up the paper,
and ripped it completely in half.
"I will never sell to you,"
I said,
each word dripping with defiance.
"My father died protecting this company,
and I will die before I let you have it."
Vance's smile faded,
replaced by a look of pure malice.
"So be it,"
he whispered,
turning on his heel.
"You have chosen destruction,
and it will come swifter than you think."
He walked out with his lawyers,
leaving a trail of tension behind.
May you like
The war had officially begun,
and there was no turning back.
