Chapter 91
Chapter 91
Jordan kept Andrew waiting for thirty minutes–a deliberate power play. When he finally strode into the office, any flicker of irritation on Andrew’s face died under the weight of Jordan’s presence. The man radiated authority, his demeanor making it clear who controlled the room.
Andrew swallowed his pride and forced a smile. “Jordan. Good of you to see me.”
“This is a workplace, Mr. Hayes,” Jordan said, settling into his chair like a king claiming a throne. “You’ll call me Mr. Erwin here.” His gaze flicked over Andrew’s strained expression, and for a second, he considered crushing him outright.
Andrew’s smile didn’t waver. “Of course, Mr. Erwin. I
I
me to
discuss the Carvers. They’re targeting both our families now that
Stella’s married to you. We’re on the same side. It’s time we fought back–they’ve pushed us around long enough.”
Jordan didn’t answer immediately. He pulled out his lighter, flicking it open and shut with rhythmic clicks that filled the silence. Each snap ratcheted up Andrew’s unease. Jordan’s face gave nothing away. Andrew couldn’t tell what Jordan was thinking.
Then, suddenly looking up, Jordan said, “Try again. And this time, tell me the truth.”
Andrew blinked. “I don’t follow, Mr. Erwin. Stella’s my daughter, and you’re family now. Ask me anything–I’ll tell you everything!
know.”
“Good. Then tell me how Troy got into the party.” Jordan’s voice was icy enough to make Andrew’s skin crawl.
Andrew’s smile faltered. He chuckled, too high–pitched. “Well, I don’t know. I only heard about it this morning.”
“Funny. Because if you had heard, your first question walking in here would’ve been about Stella.” Jordan’s voice could’ve frozen lava. “Not business.”
“She’s got you looking out for her. I figured she was fine.”
“Fine?” Jordan’s voice turned even colder. “She’s your daughter. You didn’t even ask.”
Andrew shifted. “I was focused on the bigger picture. Your company’s stock took a hit–I was concerned.”
Jordan let out a humorless laugh. “Stella is the bigger picture. If you’d asked about her first, we might’ve had a conversation. Or if any of your family had called her before this meeting.”
Jordan tapped his lighter on the desk. “That half–hour delay? I was on the phone with her. Not one of you checked in.”
“Her grandmother must’ve called,” Andrew insisted.
“Eleanor cares. The rest of you?” Jordan’s smile was razor–thin. “You wept apologies when she came home. Now? Radio silence. You waltz in here talking alliances.” He stood, looming over Andrew. “Tell me, Hayes–what the hell makes you think you’ve earned the right?”
Age meant nothing next to Jordan’s command of the room. Andrew’s palms were slick with sweat.
The Hayes Group had barely survived its last financial crisis by selling off properties. Another downturn could mean losing their flagship assets. On paper, aligning with Jordan’s corporation was a no–brainer–typical Hayes family calculations. Pity Jordan refused to be anyone’s pawn.
“Let’s discuss marriage traditions,” Jordan continued, his tone dripping with false sweetness. “You demanded a substantial
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marriage settlement from me. Tell me, what did you provide for Stella? If you’re here as a concerned father, Mr. Hayes, show me something tangible.”
Andrew’s face darkened to an unhealthy crimson. The marriage settlement–of course, Jordan would weaponize that. He’d come armed with spreadsheets and profit projections, but Jordan wasn’t playing by corporate rules.
“Jordan, I respect your hustle,” Andrew forced a smile that never touched his cold eyes, “but you’re not invincible. The Carver consortium? Your reputation precedes you, sure, but your company’s still the new kid on the block.”
“Publicly traded, impressive growth–but there’s always a bigger fish. You know how this game works.” Andrew’s unspoken threat lingered between them.
calle
Jordan exhaled something too sharp to be called a laugh. “Christ, no wonder Stella wants nothing to do with you.” He stood in one fluid motion, straightening his suit jacket. “We’re done. Security, please escort Mr. Hayes to the elevator.”
Andrew scrambled upright. “Jordan, you’re really going to burn this bridge?”
The only response was the sound of leather soles retreating down the hallway. When Andrew moved to follow, Jordan’s executive assistant materialized in the doorway–all polite smiles and unyielding professionalism.
Andrew had no choice. As the elevator doors closed behind him, his reflection looked sour, almost green.
His original plan had been simple–prevent Stella’s marriage by paying Troy to seduce her, assuming Jordan would discard her afterward and she’d crawl back home. When Troy failed spectacularly, it left the Hayes Group vulnerable. Unacceptable.
Still, Andrew reassured himself, Jordan would eventually bend. Everyone had a breaking point. And when Jordan came crawling, Andrew would be waiting to remind him who held the power.
Later, outside Jordan and Stella’s gated estate, Andrew practiced his carefully crafted lies–each one designed to poison their marriage. Stella refused to even come to the door. He left with nothing but impotent rage.
The phone buzzed as Andrew sat fuming in the parking garage. Max.
Fiona and Anna were already pacing the Hayes Group boardroom like caged animals. The four of them huddled, plotting their next
move.
Minutes after Andrew’s car disappeared, Kevin pulled up and walked straight inside to see Jordan.
Eleanor’s call came through the moment she heard the news. “Stella, sweetheart, I never imagined something like this would happen on your birthday. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Stella answered. “It was self–defense. The police ruled it justified, so I’m clear legally. But the Carvers won’t let it go- they’re coming after Jordan and the Hayes family.”
“Forget your family,” Eleanor said. “I hate to say this, but I think they had a hand in this. Your birthday should have been a time for them to make amends, not add to your pain. Let them deal with the fallout.”
Warmth bloomed in Stella’s chest. No matter what, Eleanor stood firmly in her corner–unwavering, unshaken.
“By the way,” Eleanor continued, “I saw the Carvers targeting Jordan. How’s he holding up?”
A faint smile touched Stella’s lips, “If Jordan knew you were worried about him, he’d be insufferably smug. But don’t worry,
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Grandma. He’s Jordan. If he hasn’t retaliated yet, it’s because he’s waiting for the right moment.”
4.55%
“You sound like you trust him completely,” Eleanor noted, satisfaction threading her voice. “That’s good. Seeing you two like this eases my mind.”
