Chapter 24 The Veridian Trap
Sarah was at the Veridian district the next day.
Stacy stood beside her, checking her tablet with frantic energy.
"The board is ready for us, Sarah. Remember, keep it focused on the sustainability of the materials and the timeline. Don't let them drift into personal territory."
"I know the drill, Stacy," Sarah said, though her voice wavered.
"And the... other thing?" Stacy whispered, leaning in. "The recording?"
"I’m not thinking about it," Sarah lied. "Right now, Veridian is the only thing that exists."
They were ushered into the boardroom on the fiftieth floor. At the center sat the lead agent for the Veridian project, Mr. Henderson.
For the first forty minutes, Sarah was brilliant. She spoke about the integration of nature and luxury, her hands steady as she pointed to the blueprints. She was winning them over. She could see it in the way the board members nodded and took notes. The billion-dollar contract was inches from her grasp.
"Your vision is impressive, Mrs. Hayes," Henderson said, leaning back.
"Your firm has the aesthetic we want. However, a project of this scale requires more than just talent. We are looking for a long-term partnership. 'Character and stability' are the two pillars of our selection process. We cannot afford a scandal or a leadership crisis mid-project. Our partners must be beyond reproach."
Sarah felt a cold sweat prickle her hairline.
"I assure you, Mr. Henderson, my firm’s reputation speaks for itself. I have built this business on integrity."
"I hope so," Henderson replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Because some troubling rumors have surfaced recently regarding your personal conduct and potential legal entanglements with your former spouse. We wouldn't want the Veridian name dragged through a messy public divorce or... other indiscretions."
Sarah opened her mouth to defend herself, her heart hammering against her ribs. She felt like an imposter in her own skin, a woman being judged for a secret she could no longer hide.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the back of the room swung open with a loud, echoing thud.
A man walked in with the confidence of a king. It was Gary MacIntyre. He was dressed in a tailored navy suit, looking every bit the high-powered investor Sarah remembered. But his smile was dark.
"I apologize for the interruption, everyone," Gary said, his voice smooth and oily.
"I believe I’m just in time for the final deliberations."
Henderson stood up, gesturing to the newcomer.
"Mrs. Hayes, you remember Mr. MacIntyre? He has officially joined the board of Sterling Associates, the rival firm bidding for this project. Given his substantial investment, he has been granted a seat at the table for today’s decision."
Sarah’s blood turned to ice. Gary MacIntyre, the man who had flirted with her and been rebuffed, was now one of her judges. He sat down directly across from her.
"It’s a pleasure to see you again, Sarah," Gary said. The way he said her name felt like a threat.
"I was just telling the committee that Sterling Associates offers a level of... stability that perhaps your firm lacks. We prefer to keep things professional. No secrets. No skeletons in the closet."
"Mr. MacIntyre and I have already discussed the project," Sarah said, her voice tight.
"Have we?" Gary asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I remember a conversation about an investment, but I also remember you being very clear about your boundaries. It’s a shame. Boundaries are so restrictive in business, don't you think?"
The room went silent. The subtext was a physical weight. Gary was telling her, in front of everyone, that she had made a mistake by turning him down. He was implying that her stability was tied to his approval.
"I don't see what my personal boundaries have to do with the Veridian blueprints," Sarah said, trying to maintain her mask.
"Everything," Gary countered. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping so only she and Henderson could hear.
"Because if a CEO can't manage her own house, how can she manage a billion-dollar construction site? I’ve heard things, Sarah. Things that make me think you’re a liability. But then again, I’m always open to being proven wrong. Perhaps we could have that dinner tomorrow night? To discuss how you might... cooperate with our vision?"
It was a blatant move. Gary was holding the contract over her head, demanding her submission in exchange for the deal. Sarah looked around the room. Henderson was watching her with a blank, judgmental stare. Stacy looked like she wanted to vomit.
Sarah realized she was trapped in a room full of men who saw her as a piece of property. Joseph wanted her money. Gary wanted her body. Alex wanted her soul.
"The meeting is adjourned for lunch," Henderson announced, picking up on the thick tension.
"We will have a final decision by five o'clock."
Sarah didn't wait. She gathered her papers with trembling hands and practically ran toward the elevators. Stacy followed her, trying to keep up.
"Sarah! We can't let Gary do this! It’s harassment!" Stacy hissed as they reached the lobby.
"It doesn't matter what it is, Stacy," Sarah said, her voice hollow.
"He has the board. He has the photos or the recording or whatever Joseph gave him. I’m done. I’ve lost."
She pushed through the revolving doors and out into the humid air of the parking garage. She just wanted to get into her car and disappear. She felt like the powerful CEO mask had finally shattered, leaving her exposed and raw.
As she reached her sedan, she stopped.
A black truck was parked in the space next to hers, the engine idling with a low, menacing rumble. Leaning against her driver's side door was a figure that made her heart stop.
It was Alex.
His white t-shirt was stained with dirt and a little blood and grease. His lip was split, and a dark, purplish bruise was already blooming over his left eye.
"Alex!" Sarah cried, rushing to him. "Oh my god, what happened to you?”
Alex looked up at her, his eyes glazed and unfocused.
"I had to stop him, Sarah," Alex murmured. He looked down at his bloodied hands, a strange, haunted smile flickering on his face.
Sarah stepped back, her hand over her mouth. The parking garage felt like it was spinning.
"Alex... what did you do?"