Chapter 2 - The Missing Patent
The Rolls Royce glided smoothly through the glowing streets of Manhattan.
Olivia watched Alexander closely as he carefully inspected every single page of the legal documents.
Six months ago, Liam had thrown a stack of divorce papers at her, demanding she sign them immediately.
He had been so distracted by Khloe and his newfound fame that he never bothered to read the final draft.
Olivia’s lawyer had quietly slipped in an addendum transferring ownership of the Hayes Vision source code directly to her.
"This is completely ironclad," Alexander announced, tapping the final page with his finger.
"Without this source code, Liam's upcoming product launch is entirely worthless."
Olivia felt a sudden, fierce rush of vindication warming her chest.
She had built that company from the ground up, and now she legally owned its beating heart.
"I want to sell it to you," Olivia stated firmly, looking the billionaire right in the eye.
Alexander chuckled, pouring himself a small glass of expensive amber whiskey.
"I do not want to buy it, Olivia," he replied smoothly.
"I want to merge our assets and make you the majority shareholder of my new tech division."
Olivia blinked in surprise, completely taken aback by his incredibly generous offer.
She knew Alexander was ruthless in business, and he rarely shared power with anyone.
"Why would you do that for me?" she asked, her voice laced with heavy suspicion.
Alexander's smile faded into a serious, intense expression.
"Because Liam Hayes destroyed my younger brother's career three years ago, and I want to watch him burn."
Olivia realized she had just aligned herself with a man who was driven by pure vengeance.
But she had babies to protect, and she needed the ultimate shield against Liam's inevitable wrath.
"I accept your offer," she said, shaking his outstretched hand.
The car pulled into the underground garage of Alexander's massive penthouse building.
They stepped onto the private elevator, the silence between them heavy with unspoken plans.
As the elevator doors opened to the penthouse, Alexander's head of security rushed forward.
"Mr. Sterling, we have a major problem," the security chief announced breathlessly.
"Liam Hayes just froze every single one of Ms. Carter's personal bank accounts."
Olivia felt her heart drop into her stomach as the reality of her situation set in.
"That is impossible," she argued, pulling out her phone.
"He does not have the legal authority to do that anymore."
The security chief shook his head grimly.
May you like
"He didn't use the law, ma'am."
"He used the cartel."
