Chapter 14 - The Counterstrike Against Arthur Mercer
Caleb walked over to his mahogany desk,
picked up his secure satellite phone,
and dialed a direct extension without hesitation.
"Nathan,"
Caleb spoke into the receiver,
his voice cutting through the quiet room like a razor blade.
"Execute Protocol Meridian."
On the other end,
Nathaniel nodded sharply,
understanding immediately what his boss was ordering.
Protocol Meridian meant calling in every single note, loan, and financial leverage the Westbrook Corporation held against Arthur Mercer’s real estate conglomerate.
It was a swift, merciless financial execution that would dismantle decades of Mercer family dominance within forty-eight hours.
"You're going to war with them,"
Grace whispered,
stepping closer to the desk.
"Not a war,
Grace,"
Caleb corrected,
setting the phone down and looking directly into her eyes.
"Just a correction.
Men like Arthur Mercer built their entire lives on intimidation, cruelty, and the belief that ordinary people don't matter.
It's time someone reminded them how gravity works."
Grace felt a sudden rush of admiration for the man standing before her.
He wasn't just a billionaire with endless wealth;
he was a man with a moral compass that refused to be bought or bullied.
"And Sloane?"
Grace asked quietly.
"Sloane is her father's daughter,"
Caleb replied,
his expression softening as he looked at Grace.
"She'll try to make a scene,
she'll try to spin the narrative in the press,
and she'll probably show up here screaming by tomorrow afternoon.
Are you prepared for that?"
Grace took a deep breath,
thinking of Lily playing happily downstairs with Mrs. Higgins,
and squared her shoulders.
"I survived rent hikes, broken-down cars on I-95, and twelve-hour cleaning shifts in this mansion,"
Grace said,
her voice steady and clear.
"I think I can handle a spoiled socialite throwing a tantrum."
Caleb let out a low, genuine laugh—a sound that reached all the way to his eyes,
making him look younger, freer, and entirely alive.
"I have no doubt about that,
May you like
Grace Miller.
None at all."
