Chapter04
1056 Words
Damian's POV
I stepped into my office, ignoring the greetings, my mind stuck on last night. Alessandra was back. After five years, she stood right in front of me, smirking like she owned the world.
I needed information.
"Ethan," I said.
He was already waiting. “She disappeared after the gala. No digital trail, no connections. It’s like she never existed.”
Of course.
“Find out everything.”
Ethan folded his arms. “You sure that’s what matters? Caldwell’s expecting us today.”
I exhaled. Business first.
“What’s the status?”
“We’re set. If all goes well, Sterling Corp secures Europe.”
I nodded. A major win. One that would send a clear message… I was still at the top.
But something didn’t sit right. Alessandra’s return. The way she looked at me.
I pushed it aside.
I’d deal with her later.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Mr. Caldwell directly.
“Mr. Sterling,” Caldwell answered smoothly. “Looking forward to our meeting today?”
“As always,” I replied. “We have the best offer on the table.”
“That you do.” There was a slight pause. “But you know how business is….surprises can happen.”
I frowned. “I don’t like surprises.”
Caldwell chuckled. “Then let’s hope there aren’t any. I’ll see you soon.”
I hung up, a strange feeling settling in my chest.
Something was off.
Alessandra's POV
Time to take the king off his throne.
I walked into Caldwell Group’s headquarters. The board members were already gathered, expecting Sterling Corp.
Perfect.
“Miss Hayes,” one of them greeted warily. “We weren’t expecting you.”
I smiled. “That’s the best kind of arrival, don’t you think?”
Caldwell himself leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, studying me.
“You have nerve, Miss Hayes,” he said, obviously unhappy about my presence. “I don’t entertain last-minute proposals.”
“I think you’ll make an exception,” I replied smoothly, placing a folder on the table.
Caldwell didn’t reach for it. “We already have an agreement with Sterling Corp.”
I clasped my hands in front of me. “A handshake is not a contract, Mr. Caldwell.”
His eyes narrowed. “Sterling’s deal is solid. Generous.”
“And limiting.”
He didn't reply.
I knew I had him. I stepped closer, keeping my voice measured.
“You’re the backbone of European commerce, but Damian wants to own that market, not share it with you.” I tilted my head. “Tell me, what happens when Sterling Corp. inevitably expands beyond this deal? When they buy out the competitors and you become disposable?”
Caldwell let out a slow breath, but his face remained impassive. “And you think you can offer something better?”
“I know I can,” I said. “I’m not here to dominate. I’m here to collaborate.”
He scoffed. “You expect me to believe that?”
I shrugged. “Believe what you want. But my offer? It’s built for longevity. Equity, not control. Power that doesn’t fade once Sterling Corp. decides they’ve outgrown their promises.”
A murmur went through the board members, while Caldwell’s fingers tapped against the table.
Then his sharp gaze locked onto mine.
“This is bold, Miss Hayes,” he murmured. “But boldness doesn’t impress me. Business does.”
I slid another document across the table.
“Here’s the revised contract. Better percentages. No exclusivity clauses tying you down. Full autonomy in expansions.” I paused, then delivered the final blow.
“And unlike Sterling Corp., I’m offering you a seat on the board. A real seat. Power.”
That got his full attention.
He exhaled sharply. “And what’s your endgame?”
I smiled. “Just proving a point.”
A long silence stretched between us.
Then Caldwell reached for the pen.
And signed.
Damian's POV
Ethan and I stood outside Caldwell Group’s headquarters, the afternoon sun casting long shadows against the glass entrance.
Ethan adjusted his cufflinks. “Alright, what’s the plan? Go in, shake hands, sign the deal, and celebrate with overpriced whiskey?”
I smirked. “That was the plan.”
Ethan eyed me. “But?”
“But something doesn’t sit right.” I exhaled. “Caldwell sounded off this morning.”
“Off how?”
“Like he was waiting for me to figure something out.”
Ethan scoffed. “He’s a businessman. They love mind games.”
“Yeah,” I muttered. “But Alessandra does too.”
Ethan groaned. “Please don’t tell me you think she’s involved in this.”
I didn’t answer.
I didn’t have proof. Just instinct.
I walked into Caldwell’s office, expecting to shake hands on one of the biggest deals of the year.
A handshake and Europe would be mine. Just how it was supposed to be.
Instead, I was met with an empty conference table.
Caldwell sat at the head, a polite yet distant look on his face.
I didn’t like that look.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Caldwell sighed. “Damian… I hate to do this, but we’ve decided to go in a different direction.”
The words hit like a punch.
“What?” Ethan snapped. “We had a deal.”
“We almost had a deal,” Caldwell corrected. “But then we got a better one.”
I exhaled sharply. “From who?”
Caldwell didn’t have to say it.
I already knew.
A secretary stepped forward and handed me an envelope.
Inside was the signed contract.
Not with me. With Hayes & Co.
At the bottom, a handwritten note:
Checkmate, Damian.
I should have been furious but for some reason, I couldn't help but smile.
Ethan’s phone buzzed. He checked it, his expression tightening.
“Boss,” he muttered, turning the screen toward me.
>BREAKING: Hayes & Co. Strikes Landmark Deal with Caldwell Group…. Sterling Corp. Left in the Dust.<
And right in the center of the article was a picture of Alessandra.
Smiling. Triumphant.
I clenched my jaw.
So this was her game?
Fine.
Let’s play.
Ethan let out a low whistle. “Well,” he muttered, shaking his head, “looks like your competition came earlier than expected.”
- Writer
