Chapter 27: The Prodigal Wolf
Power abhors a vacuum.
By taming the Sovereign Syndicate, I had established an unprecedented era of peace in the financial district. The old billionaires bowed to my directives. The Leo & Mia Foundation expanded into Europe. For nearly a year, the Harrington-Parker empire operated like a flawless, untouchable machine.
But peace always breeds a new kind of predator.
It was a rainy Thursday evening. I was sitting in my private study at the estate, reviewing international market reports, when Daniel walked in. His expression was darker than I had seen it in years.
"We have a problem," Daniel said, closing the heavy oak doors behind him. "And it’s not something we can buy our way out of."
He walked over to my desk and set down an iPad. On the screen was a live feed from a private jet landing at the city's executive airport.
"Alexander Blackwood," Daniel said, his voice tense.
I recognized the name immediately. Arthur Blackwood’s estranged son. Alexander wasn't just a billionaire; he was a financial mercenary. Years ago, he had been exiled to Europe for being too ruthless even for the Syndicate. He specialized in destroying sovereign wealth funds and gutting entire national economies.
"I thought Arthur disowned him," I said, studying the tall, elegantly dressed man descending the steps of the private jet.
"He did," Daniel replied. "But Alexander didn't come back to save his father's reputation. He came back because he smelled blood. He heard that a suburban mother humiliated the Old Guard, and he views this city as an unguarded goldmine."
I leaned back in my chair, folding my hands. "Has he made a move?"
"He hasn't contacted you," Daniel said, looking me dead in the eye. "He contacted me. He wants to meet tomorrow. Alone."
A cold, dangerous silence filled the study.
Alexander was attempting to bypass the queen and compromise her most loyal knight. He was trying to exploit the ghost of our broken marriage.
May you like
I looked up at Daniel. The man standing before me was not the weak, easily manipulated husband he used to be. He was a fortress.
"Go to the meeting," I said softly, a deadly smile touching my lips. "Let’s see what the wolf has to offer."
