Chapter 16: Terms and Temptations
734 Words
The office buzzed with a strange sense of relief after Gabriella’s final departure. People smiled a little easier, the weight of unseen sabotage finally lifted. But in the Cole empire, peace was a luxury no one could afford for long.
Especially not Xavier.
His father, Victor Cole, hadn’t said a word since his visit to the company. But silence from Victor was more dangerous than rage. It meant he was planning.
---
"Zara."
She looked up from her desk as Xavier approached, dressed in his usual black, the morning sun slicing through the blinds behind him.
"Come with me."
No explanation. Just that intense look she was slowly getting used to—the one that said, trust me.
She followed him to the executive parking lot where a sleek dark SUV waited. The driver didn’t speak. The journey was quiet, tense.
"Where are we going?" she asked finally.
"My father’s estate."
Zara blinked. "What? Why?"
"Because if I don’t bring you, he’ll come for you. And I’d rather control the setting."
Zara’s heart thudded. "Xavier, I’m not scared of him, but—"
"You should be," he said quietly.
---
Victor Cole’s estate was a kingdom. High walls, marble columns, fountains shaped like wolves. The kind of wealth that didn’t whisper—it roared.
When the SUV rolled to a stop, maids opened the doors like they’d been rehearsing it all week.
"Welcome, Master Xavier. Miss Zara."
Zara straightened. She was still in her office heels and favorite blouse, but next to this mansion, she felt small. Until Xavier touched the small of her back.
"You belong anywhere you walk into," he whispered.
She breathed out slowly. "Thanks. I needed that."
Inside, the mansion was colder than expected. Grand, yes—but joyless. Every painting, every vase looked expensive and unloved.
Victor Cole stood in the drawing room, flanked by two advisors.
He did not smile.
"So this is the girl," he said, voice smooth but sharp.
Zara stepped forward. "I’m not just the girl. My name is Zara Martins."
Victor's brow lifted. "Bold. Interesting."
"She’s not here to entertain you," Xavier cut in. "You wanted to see her, so say what you have to say."
Victor’s eyes narrowed. "I see your mother’s recklessness lives in you."
Silence.
Zara looked between them, picking up pieces of an old war.
Victor turned to her again. "Let me ask you something, Miss Martins. Do you love my son?"
Zara froze.
"Dad—" Xavier warned.
Victor raised a hand. "Because if you don’t, leave now. Spare him the humiliation."
Zara’s jaw tightened. "Whether or not I do isn’t your business. What is your business is whether I’m good at my job. I am. You’ll find no complaints about that."
Victor chuckled. "Fiery. No wonder Celeste is furious."
Xavier stiffened. "Celeste has no place in this conversation."
Victor finally sat, motioning to the ornate chairs. "Fine. Let’s talk business then. There’s a merger I’m considering with the Vanderleighs. A union that would benefit both empires."
Zara’s heart sank. "You want him to marry her."
Victor nodded once. "It’s the logical move. Emotional entanglements aside."
"I’m not an asset to be traded," Xavier snapped. "And I’m not marrying someone I don’t love."
"Then step down as CEO."
Zara gasped. "You can’t be serious."
Victor rose slowly. "You think you’ve made him stronger. But all I see is a man losing focus. A Cole does not bend. A Cole conquers."
Xavier’s voice was ice. "Then maybe I’m not the kind of Cole you want."
He turned to Zara. "We’re leaving."
Victor didn’t stop them. But as they reached the door, he said:
"You’ll come crawling back. They always do."
---
Back in the SUV, Zara was quiet.
"He hates me," she said.
"He hates losing control," Xavier corrected. "And you remind him that he can’t control everything."
She turned to him. "Are you really willing to risk your position for me?"
He looked straight ahead. "I’m not risking anything. I’m choosing. There’s a difference."
---
That night, the media went wild. Someone had leaked the proposed Cole-Vanderleigh merger. Rumors swirled.
Celeste played victim in interviews, hinting at betrayal. Victor released a vague statement about legacy and disappointment.
Zara stayed off the internet.
Instead, she wrote.
In her journal: I don’t know where this story goes. But I trust the pen in his hand.
And for now, that was enough.
- Writer
