CHAPTER 12:THE BILLION DOLLARS TEST
455 Words
Chapter Continuation (Expanded)
“This company is trying to sabotage us,” Alfred explained, sliding another folder across the polished mahogany desk. “Your grandfather discovered evidence months ago. He planned to acquire them before they could make their move.”
Ethan frowned as he flipped through the pages. Financial reports, confidential emails, and records of suspicious transactions filled the file. Whoever had prepared it had been incredibly thorough.
“These aren't ordinary business tactics,” Ethan said quietly. “Someone has been planning this for a long time.”
Alfred nodded. “Exactly. They have been bribing suppliers, leaking false information to investors, and attempting to weaken Sterling Group from the inside. Your grandfather wanted to end the threat permanently.”
The room fell silent except for the soft rustle of paper.
Ethan continued reading until one name suddenly caught his attention.
Blackwell Holdings.
His fingers froze.
His eyes slowly darkened as memories he had buried years ago resurfaced.
Jason Blackwell's family company.
A slow, unreadable smile appeared on Ethan's face.
“What a coincidence,” he murmured.
Alfred immediately noticed the change in his expression.
“Do you know them?”
Ethan closed the file gently and rested it on the desk.
“They know me.”
Alfred raised an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting for Ethan to continue.
After a few moments, Ethan stood and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city skyline. The lights below sparkled against the evening sky, but his mind was somewhere else entirely.
“Years ago,” he said calmly, “the Blackwell family believed they had destroyed someone who would never stand again.”
He let out a cold laugh.
“They celebrated too early.”
Alfred's expression became serious. “Then this isn't just business.”
“No,” Ethan replied, his voice icy. “This is personal.”
He turned back toward the desk, his eyes filled with quiet determination.
“Jason thinks he's hunting easy prey.”
A dangerous smile spread across his face.
“He has no idea he just declared war against the wrong man.”
Alfred couldn't help but smile.
“So... what are your orders, Mr. Sterling?”
Ethan picked up the Blackwell file once more before answering.
“Gather everything we have on Blackwell Holdings. Every contract, every investment, every weakness. I want a complete report on my desk by tomorrow morning.”
“And Jason Blackwell?”
Ethan's gaze turned cold enough to send a chill through the room.
“Don't touch him.”
Alfred looked surprised.
“Not yet.”
Ethan closed the file with a sharp snap.
“I want him to watch everything he built collapse before he realizes who's behind it.”
- Writer
