Two

[Damien’s POV]

The sharp click of my shoes against the marbled floors of Black Cliff Hotel echoed with authority. Heads turned as I strode past, my tailored black suit fitting like a second skin. The guards at the entrance straightened instinctively, but I raised a hand, halting them before they could speak. "I don't need an escort," I said curtly, not breaking stride as I headed toward the elevators.

Inside the lift, my assistant, Duffy, stood beside me, fidgeting slightly. He was efficient but always on edge around me. I preferred it that way—kept people from slacking. As the elevator ascended, Duffy cleared his throat and handed me my phone. "Sir, it's Aaron. He’s been calling repeatedly."

I glanced at him, my tone flat. "I thought I said no calls until 5 p.m."

"I know, but he insisted. He said it's urgent."

With a sigh, I took the phone and answered. "What is it, Aaron?"

"Uncle Damien! Finally, I got through!" Aaron’s chipper tone grated on my nerves.

I opened my mouth to respond when a sultry moan filtered through the line. My jaw clenched.

"Geez, lower it, Jeana!" I heard Aaron snap.

I sneered. "Did you call me to discuss your sex escapade with that bitch?"

"No, no!" Aaron’s voice turned nervous. "I called to share good news. You won’t believe it—I secured a big deal for Sterling Dynamics. This time with Aurion Corp."

I stopped mid-breath. Aurion Corp was no small feat. Even I had struggled to gain their trust in the past. I glanced at Duffy, who had stopped breathing altogether, his face a mixture of shock and awe.

“Really?” I said, masking my surprise.

“Yes, Uncle Damien. I personally negotiated it. This morning, I signed the deal on behalf of Sterling Dynamics.”

My eyes narrowed as I leaned against the elevator wall, processing his words. How could Aaron, of all people, secure such a monumental deal?

As if sensing my doubt, Aaron rambled on. “I worked hard for this. I’ve proven I’m capable of being COO. You can trust me now, can’t you? I mean, look at what I’ve achieved! I sealed it entirely on my own.”

I cut him off, my voice sharp. “Stop patting yourself on the back. I’ll evaluate the deal myself.”

Aaron stammered but couldn’t find a retort. "Y-yes, Uncle."

Without another word, I ended the call and handed the phone back to Duffy.

Duffy exhaled shakily. "Aurion Corp? That’s… nearly impossible. Aaron must be taking after you, sir."

I nodded tersely, but the words didn’t sit well. Aaron couldn’t be trusted. The only reason he held a position in my company was because of family ties—a decision I often regretted.

The elevator chimed, and we stepped into the presidential suite. Duffy gasped audibly, his usual dramatics surfacing again.

I shot him a cold look. "What is it?"

He straightened, though his trembling hands betrayed him. "Sir, it’s Sterling Dynamics.”

“What about it?”

He hesitated, his voice dropping to a whisper. “The stocks are plummeting.”

My steps faltered. “Why?”

Duffy swallowed hard, his face pale. “Aurion Corp publicly canceled the deal just moments ago.”

My jaw tightened as I mulled over the implications. Aurion Corp didn’t make rash decisions. Something—or someone—had caused this. “When?” I demanded.

“Shortly after Aaron’s announcement,” Duffy said, his voice trembling.

I mused for a moment, my mind racing. This wasn’t ordinary. Either Aaron had botched something, or someone was deliberately targeting him—and by extension, my company.

“Find out why,” I ordered. My voice was low, menacing. “I want every detail, and I want it fast.”

“Yes, sir.” Duffy turned to leave, but I caught the flash of fear in his eyes.

As he disappeared from sight, I turned toward the window, the city sprawled beneath me. My reflection stared back, cold and calculating.

Aaron had either messed up or stumbled into something deeper than he could handle. Someone was going to pay for this disaster, and it sure as hell wasn’t going to be my company—or me.

I flexed my wrist absently, eyes locked on the headlines flashing across the TV screen.

"Sterling Dynamics Faces Unprecedented Loss After Aurion Deal Falls Apart."

I hated the sound of it. The grim expressions of the news anchors and their speculative commentary grated on my nerves. The media vultures were already circling. I grabbed the remote and turned off the TV with more force than necessary.

Moments later, a rapid knock preceded Duffy bursting in, his hair disheveled and his face pale. “Sir! I couldn’t get direct intel right away, but I managed to scrape this together through your… connections.”

I waved a hand, cutting him off. “I know. Just get to the point. What’s going on?”

He swallowed hard. “Aaron didn’t secure the contract himself. It was backed by Royal Inc., but something went wrong. They withdrew their assurance, which forced Aurion Corp to pull out. That’s why the deal collapsed.”

I leaned back in my chair, processing his words. “Royal Inc.? I should’ve known. And who owns Royal Inc.?”

“It’s a subsidiary of Algernon Empire,” Duffy replied, his voice hesitant.

The name struck a chord. “Algernon Empire? Who’s in charge?”

“The chairman is the current head, but his health has been declining recently.”

“Damn it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “I need that deal back, Duffy. It’s critical for Sterling Dynamics’ future. It’s not just a deal—it’s a power move.”

“Should I call Aaron to—”

“Don’t call that idiot!” I snapped, my tone cutting. “He’s good for nothing. I’ll handle this myself. Someone at Algernon Empire needs to fix this, and I’ll make sure they do.”

Duffy shifted uncomfortably. “Then you’ll need to meet with the heiress.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Heiress?”

He nodded and handed me a photograph. “Sophie Algernon. She’s the current face of Algernon Empire, given her father’s condition. She’s been handling things quietly behind the scenes.”

I studied the photo, my gaze narrowing. “Details?”

“Her personal life is tightly guarded. I could only get her contact information.”

“Good. Fix an appointment for this evening at 6 p.m. Here.”

“Here?” Duffy blinked, confused.

I shot him a hard look. “Make it happen.”

“Yes, sir.” He scurried off, leaving me alone.

I leaned back, tapping the edge of my desk. I knew Algernon Empire well enough to anticipate their moves. This wasn’t just about business; there had to be leverage somewhere, and I’d find it. Thankfully, I wasn’t on their bad side. Yet.

Time dragged. I took a cold shower to clear my mind, then moved to my dressing room. It was almost 6 p.m., and I still hadn’t received an update from Duffy. No matter. I’d see the heiress soon enough.

I slipped into a crisp white shirt, buttoning it halfway when I froze. Footsteps echoed down the hall, soft but deliberate.

“Hello?” a woman’s voice called, rich and steady.

I turned toward the mirror, and my fingers stilled. Standing in the doorway was a woman with striking features—delicate yet commanding. Her dark chestnut hair framed her face, and her piercing eyes seemed to dissect every inch of the room. For the first time in a long while, I found myself momentarily speechless.

There was a flicker of something in her gaze—surprise, perhaps—but she masked it quickly, her posture exuding quiet strength.

This was Sophie Algernon.

And I wasn’t sure if I admired her or was already calculating how to stake my demands from this new but striking woman.