Chapter 2 - The Sterling Empire
Alejandro felt the blood completely drain from his face.
The name Sterling was not just associated with wealth; it was synonymous with absolute, terrifying control over the country's deepest shadows.
Richard Sterling was the most influential man in the nation, rumored to run a massive underworld syndicate hidden behind legitimate corporate walls.
Alejandro looked down at the quiet girl who used to write his name on paper coffee cups.
Elena dropped her shy facade instantly, her posture straightening into that of a cold, untouchable aristocrat.
"You lied to me," Alejandro whispered, pulling his arm away from her grasp.
"I protected you, Alejandro," Elena corrected softly, her eyes scanning the dangerous crowd.
Before she could explain further, the heavy mahogany doors of the gala swung open.
Richard Sterling himself walked onto the red carpet, flanked by a dozen heavily armed security contractors wearing designer suits.
He had silver hair, a ruthless jawline, and eyes that looked like frozen steel.
Richard walked directly up to Alejandro, ignoring the hundreds of cameras capturing their every move.
"You brought my runaway daughter back to me," Richard said, his voice rumbling like an incoming earthquake.
Alejandro squared his shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by the legendary tyrant.
"She came with me of her own free will," Alejandro stated firmly.
Richard let out a dark, humorless laugh that sent a chill down Alejandro's spine.
"Nothing happens in this city by free will, boy," Richard mocked.
He reached into his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a crisp, folded legal document.
Richard shoved the paper into Alejandro's chest with a violent thrust.
"Did you really think it was a coincidence that my daughter bumped into you six months ago?" Richard sneered.
Alejandro unfolded the document, his heart pounding in his ears.
May you like
It was a hostile takeover confirmation, proving that Richard had just secretly purchased fifty-one percent of Alejandro's tech conglomerate.
"You are completely bankrupt, and you do not even know it yet," Richard smiled as Alejandro's phone suddenly began to ring.
