Chapter 4: The Game of Interests
1075 Words
The New York night wind carried a fine drizzle, shrouding the scene outside Enigma in a misty veil. Camera flashes sparkled like stars, as reporters with their long lenses surrounded Vivian Winchester and James Wilson.
"Miss Winchester, when exactly did your relationship with Mr. Wilson begin?"
"What's your response to Miss Claire Hamilton's accusations?"
"Were you aware that Mr. Wilson was still married at the time?"
Vivian fought through the pain in her cheek, forcing an elegant smile. She delicately dabbed at nonexistent tears, her voice slightly choked: "This is all a terrible misunderstanding. James and I... our relationship only began after his divorce." She paused deliberately. "As a member of the Winchester family, I would never do anything morally questionable."
James wrapped his arm around her shoulders right on cue, playing the protective partner: "Ladies and gentlemen, I must state that any unsubstantiated allegations may face legal consequences. As for Miss Claire's behavior tonight, I believe it stems from certain misunderstandings..."
"Misunderstandings?" Vivian suddenly laughed, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Perhaps some people are just surprised by certain individuals' suddenly revealed true identities."
The security team finally cleared a path as a black Maybach glided forward. The moment the car door closed, Vivian's expression contorted. She violently yanked off her priceless diamond necklace, screaming hysterically: "That b***h! She dared to slap me? In front of everyone!"
James's face turned ashen. "Claire is from the Hamilton family... do you understand what that means?"
"That's precisely the issue!" Vivian suddenly calmed down, her eyes turning dangerous. "James, do you know why I chose you?"
The car fell silent.
"Because you're clever and ambitious enough." Vivian turned to face James directly, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "But I never expected you to have such... connections to the Hamilton family."
James clenched his fists. "Claire and I are finished."
"Really?" Vivian smiled lightly, pulling a document from her handbag. "Then what about this? Do you want to know the real reason I selected you?"
James took the document, his face gradually draining of color. It was a detailed background check, tracing every detail of his life back to his college days. The last page showed an old photograph of his grandfather with the Hamilton family.
"So that's it," he laughed bitterly. "From the very beginning, you..."
"Business is war, James." Vivian elegantly sipped her champagne. "I don't just need a husband, I need an... ally who can help me protect the Winchester family." She gave him a meaningful look. "Of course, the rewards would be substantial."
"What are your terms?"
Vivian's mysterious smile returned. "It's too early to discuss that. However..." She leaned close to James's ear. "If you truly want to escape the Hamilton family's shadow, I can give you that opportunity."
James gripped the document tightly. "What do you want me to do?"
"For now," Vivian straightened in her seat, "I just need you to cast a crucial vote at next week's board meeting. As for the rest..." She paused meaningfully, "Once you've proven your worth, we can discuss details."
"But now," Vivian's voice turned ice-cold, "things have become complicated. If Claire truly is a Hamilton, we need to accelerate our timeline."
The Maybach cruised through New York's late-night streets, neon lights casting mottled shadows through the windows. James leaned back against the leather seat, his mind unwillingly drifting to memories of Claire.
Three years ago, she wore a simple white dress in the church, softly saying "I do." Her eyes were clear then, her smile radiant, impossibly captivating.
"What are you thinking about?" Vivian's cold voice pulled him back to reality. "Missing that 'ordinary' little office worker?"
James shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the opportunity at hand. "I was just wondering... if we had children, would you want them to enter the family business?"
"Of course," Vivian laughed softly, "but first, you need to prove your worth." Her slender fingers swiped across the tablet. "Look at these merger details - this is what we should be focusing on."
The screen displayed detailed financial statements. James quickly realized it was a hostile takeover plan targeting Hamilton Group.
"We've secretly acquired 15% of their shares," Vivian's voice carried the arrogance of assured victory. "At next month's board meeting..."
"Wait," James frowned, "this is illegal insider trading."
Vivian gave him a sardonic look. "This is where you need to learn. In this circle, what matters isn't right or wrong, but winning and losing." She leaned closer to James. "I can offer you the position of Legal Department Head at Winchester, giving you access to true high society. All you need to do is..."
"Completely discredit Claire?"
"Smart boy." Vivian's smile showed satisfaction. "She can't interfere with our plans. I've already arranged the media - tomorrow's papers will feature some 'shocking revelations.' As for you..." She paused meaningfully, "Just make appropriate statements during interviews."
The luxury car finally stopped before the Winchester mansion. The classical European architecture looked particularly imposing in the moonlight, the fountain in front making gentle sounds in the darkness.
James gazed at everything before him, yet felt unprecedented unease. The butler opened their door with the utmost respect, but his aged eyes seemed to hold some meaningful expression.
Vivian took his arm, her posture intimate. "This will soon be your home." She deliberately emphasized the word 'home'. "As long as you don't disappoint me."
Walking through the long corridor, James noticed surveillance cameras at every corner. Servants hurried past with lowered heads, as if avoiding something. This luxurious mansion, for all its grandeur, emanated a suffocating oppression.
"By the way," Vivian suddenly stopped, "Father wants to see you tomorrow at eight AM." She gave James a meaningful look. "He'll be testing your... loyalty."
James suppressed his anxiety: "I understand."
In the guest room, he was finally alone. Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, James gazed at Manhattan's distant lights. He knew he'd crossed a point of no return. For ambition, he'd betrayed the most sincere love; for profit, he was about to become a family's pawn.
But he had no other choice now.
His reflection in the window showed a handsome face marked by exhaustion and inner struggle. Distant footsteps echoed, reminding him of the family's omnipresent surveillance.
James touched the ring in his suit pocket - his wedding ring with Claire. Until tonight, he hadn't been able to throw it away.
Now, it was time to let go completely.
- Writer
