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“Does it matter?” I stand, unable to resist twisting the knife. “The loan is satisfied. Your attempt at a hostile takeover has failed. And your resignation from the board will be accepted, effective immediately.”
“You can’t force me to resign.”
Chen clears his throat. “Actually, Marcus, you might want to save your energy for more pressing matters.”
As if on cue, the boardroom doors open. Two men in dark suits enter, followed by several uniformed officers.
Marcus’s face goes from red to white in an instant. “What is this?”
“Mr. Davidson,” one of the suits steps forward, “I’m Agent Phillips with the FBI’s Financial Crimes Division. We’d like to ask you some questions about certain irregularities in your international banking activities.”
I catch Dad’s eye as Marcus starts sputtering legal threats. There’s a lifetime of relief in his slight smile.
“Gentlemen,”Dad addresses the board, “I suggest we adjourn for now. I believe Mr. Davidson has a rather important meeting to attend.”
As the agents lead Marcus toward the door, he turns back with pure hatred in his eyes. “This isn’t over.”
“Actually,” I tell him, “it is.”
The doors close behind them, leaving blessed silence in their wake. One by one, the board members stand and approach Dad, offering handshakes and quiet words of support.
I sink back into my chair, finally letting myself breathe. It’s over. We won.
Matthew’s is one of Crystal’s favorite restaurants—all-white tablecloths and perfectly placed silverware. I glance around the room as I step inside, the low hum of quiet conversation and clinking silverware fading into the background. I’m not here for the food or the ambiance. I’m here to put an end to the charadethat’s taken over my life.
Crystal is already seated at a private table near the window, a flute of champagne in her hand. She looks flawless, as always—her dark hair is sleek and straight, not a single strand out of place. Her pink designer dress is tailored to perfection. But as I approach, I notice the faint tension in her shoulders, the way her perfectly painted nails tap against the stem of her glass.
“Luke,” she says with a bright smile, standing to greet me. She leans in to air kiss my cheek, her perfume cloying and too sweet. “Running late again, I see.”
“Got held up,” I say simply, pulling out the chair across from her.
She sits gracefully, giving me a searching look. “I uh… trust everything went okay at the board meeting.”
Nodding, I keep my face neutral.
She looks briefly around, then smiles sweetly. “Daddy and Jim must be running behind, too, but in the meantime, let’s toast.” She lifts her glass. “To our combined future.”
I don’t pick up my glass.
Her smile wavers, just for a second, before she sets her flute down with a softclink.“What’s wrong? This was supposed to be a family celebration.”
“Crystal,” I say, leaning forward, my voice low. “Our fathers aren’t coming.”
Her smile completely disappears, but I can see a flicker of something in her eyes. She suspects the board meeting didn’t go well, but she probably thinks Marcus still has us over a barrel.
“We need to talk,” I say quietly.
Something in my tone makes her straighten. “What’s going on?”
“The engagement is over, Crystal.” No point dragging this out.
Her lips part slightly, her expression a perfect mix of shock and hurt. “Over?” she says, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing. “Luke, what are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact that we’ve been lying to ourselves and everyone else for months,” I say. “This was never about love or a future together. It was about your father’s plans for Sterling Motors.”
Her eyes narrow, and for the first time, I see a crack in her polished facade. “I don’t know what you think you know—“
“I know everything, Crystal,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “I know what Marcus has been planning. The hostile takeover. The way he’s been using you to keep me in line. The leverage he’s been holding over us.”