Chapter 2: The Contract That Saved Everything
Eleanor Vance’s voice on the phone was ice wrapped in velvet. “Bring the guest to the private lounge immediately. And send the manager.”
Cassandra’s face went pale. “But Ms. Vance—”
“Do it.”
The line went dead.
Marcus gave Cassandra one last calm look, then walked past the guard, who had already retreated to the shadows. The gray-suited man opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it when the entire lobby suddenly remembered that silence was safer than being noticed.
The private lounge on the top floor was all dark wood and leather, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city lights. Eleanor stood behind a long table covered in fresh coffee and legal documents. She was a woman in her late sixties—silver hair pinned in a severe bun, diamond studs that caught every light.
“Marcus,” she said, stepping forward. “I am so sorry. That woman should have been fired yesterday.”
Marcus accepted the handshake. “She didn’t even check my reservation. She thought I was staff.”
Eleanor’s eyes hardened. “That will never happen again. Not while I run this company.”
She gestured to the table. “The contract is here. Your lawyer already approved every line. All you have to do is sign. And then we will schedule a private dinner upstairs—my treat. My treat.”
Marcus sat, took the pen, and signed without hesitation. The papers were thick, heavy with the weight of his signature and the millions that would keep Vance Royale alive. He felt the power return to his shoulders.
While Eleanor waited for the ink to dry, his phone vibrated. A message from his wife: Home early? Can’t wait to see you. Bring the good wine.
He smiled for the first time all night.
But when he looked up, Eleanor’s smile was gone.
“Marcus,” she said quietly, “there is something I need to tell you before you go upstairs.”
She handed him a single sheet of paper. His name was at the top. Beneath it, in red, were the words:
May you like
ASSET RECOVERY ORDER – DIXON ESTATE v. BLACKWOOD HOLDINGS
Marcus’s stomach dropped.
