Burn the kingdom

Chapter 12: Breaking Point

The boardroom of Moreau Industries had never felt more suffocating. The emergency shareholder meeting was in full swing.... a calculated ambush by Marcus. He sat at the long table, composed, a slow smile curving his lips.

Vivienne entered last, head high, wearing a sharp crimson suit that seemed to set the room ablaze. Liam watched from the shadows, every nerve taut with protective instinct.

The chairman called the meeting to order. "Allegations of misconduct have surfaced against our CEO."

Marcus feigned concern. "For the good of the company, we must act."

Vivienne's voice cut through the tension. "Act on what? Anonymous claims? If anyone wishes to bring forth evidence, do so openly."

Marcus leaned forward. "Perhaps we should ask your secretary."

Liam stiffened.

The trap had sprung.

Vivienne's gaze never wavered. "Mr. Hartley's performance is impeccable. His private life is irrelevant. Unless we're judging executives by their lovers now?"

A murmur rippled through the room. Several shareholders faltered under her icy glare.

Marcus, unshaken, pressed on. "You leave us no choice but to initiate a formal inquiry."

The vote passed narrowly. Vivienne remained outwardly composed. Inside, rage and dread twisted.

When the meeting adjourned, Liam caught her hand in the corridor. "Come with me."

She hesitated. "Liam, the walls have ears."

"Then we'll go where they can't hear."

They escaped to a private suite Liam had secured in a discreet luxury hotel. The moment the door shut, restraint shattered.

Vivienne faced him, trembling. "They want to destroy us."

"Let them try. I won't let them take you." His voice was dark with promise.

He cupped her face and kissed her.... a claiming, a vow. She melted against him, her control unraveling.

"Liam... "

"I need to hear you. Say you want this. Say you want me."

Her lips parted. "I need you. All of you."

That was all it took.

He lifted her onto the bed, mouth and hands devouring every inch of her. Her blouse tore beneath impatient fingers, her skirt ridden up. His mouth latched onto her breast, drawing a helpless moan.

"No one will touch you but me," he growled against her skin. "No one will ever make you feel this way."

"Liam.... please...."

"I want to hear you beg for more."

She gasped, hips arching toward him. "Please... please, Liam."

He slid down, parting her thighs, tongue finding her with ruthless skill. Her cries echoed in the room, raw and unrestrained. When he finally thrust into her, it was with desperate hunger, each stroke marking her deeper.

"Look at me," he commanded. "I want to see you when you fall apart."

She met his gaze, shuddering as climax tore through her. He followed, driving them both to the brink.

Afterward, she lay tangled in sweat-soaked sheets, heart racing.

"I love you," she whispered.

His eyes softened. "I love you more than my life. And I will fight for you."

She kissed him fiercely. "Then we'll fight together."

Meanwhile, in his penthouse, Marcus watched a fresh video feed with cold satisfaction.

"Soon," he murmured. "Soon the empire will be mine."

Emma lay beside him, bare and smug. "And what of your dear Vivienne?"

Marcus traced her shoulder with idle fingers. "She'll break. And when she does... I'll be waiting."