A Deal with the Past

Cole's POV

It felt like time had turned back and struck me in the chest when Kaitlyn Dawson entered my office, even though I hadn't seen her for a while

The same piercing green eyes. The same assured stance. The same composed voice, with a hint of cockiness.

However, something had changed. She had no nostalgia for this place.

Her goal was to triumph.

"Cole," she said again as she moved uninvited deeper into the space. "We must speak. By themselves.

I looked at the door that was open. The aroma of Aria—lavender and something warm—was still present. But now she was gone. As if she still belonged in my world, Kaitlyn was already occupying the chair across from my desk.

I remained anchored to the ground but remarked bluntly, "This isn't a good time."

Kaitlyn grinned as though she had anticipated the opposition. Next, schedule time. The most important decision of your career is coming up, and I believe you should have all the information before making a poor decision.

I walked to my chair after slowly exhaling. I disliked being lured in. However, Kaitlyn never bluffed; instead, she always had information that could either build an empire or destroy a bridge. I was also unsure of which one she intended to accomplish at the moment.

"What is it?" I leaned forward and asked. "Spit it out."

She moved a thin folder made of manila across the desk. I opened it after hesitating.

She crossed her knees and declared, "The merger is clean." However, there's a catch. My dad made a silent addition, of course. The entire transaction collapses if we don't carry out the original Dawson-Creed collaboration agreement. Additionally, your board believed it was sealed when it approved the preliminary terms.

I gazed intently at the folder. There were legal documents, signed letters, and something that chilled my blood.

A provision that essentially stated: *Cole Kensington Creed and Kaitlyn Dawson must confirm their alliance for the union between Dawson Enterprises and Creed Holdings to be finalized.

Union.

Although it wasn't explicitly mentioned, it was implied by the phrase. Reaffirm their partnership. Combine families. Assure legacy.

"You must be joking with me."

Kaitlyn folded her hands on her lap and spoke the quiet words, "I wish I was." However, my dad isn't. He believes that we ought to go back and review what ought to have occurred years ago.

A spark of anger appeared behind my eyes. "Do you believe that I would enter that cage again?"

"You may not have an option," she said with ease. “Not if you want to keep your company intact.”

I forcefully closed the folder. "No. I can't possibly agree to this.

Her eyes remained fixed. When your father and I want something, we can move quickly, and you're underestimating that. They desire this. They'll find a way to take everything if you don't. As well as Creed Holdings. Particularly if they win support from the board.

I got up and paced behind my seat. My heart was beating so loudly that I was having trouble thinking.

Everything Aria and I had sacrificed for, everything I had built, was in jeopardy.

"How about Aria?" I lost my temper.

Kaitlyn shrugged. "I'm not here to talk about her."

"You're not, of course," I mumbled resentfully. "When someone else got what you wanted, you couldn't stand it."

She flinched at that. Excellent.

Do you believe that this is about wanting you to return? She posed the question icily. "Cole, this is business. Legacy. Our fathers don't believe in romance; they believe in power. We were a symbol, you and I. They desire the return of that.

With a quiet voice, I declared, "I'm no longer a pawn." "I made my decision already. Aria was my choice.

Her mouth twisted into an unintelligible shape. "Be ready to lose everything else after that."

Abruptly, the office door opened.

Aria.

After focusing on Kaitlyn, her gaze shifted to the folder that was still on the desk. Her face grew stern.

"I apologize," she replied firmly. "I was unaware that we were having a romantic reunion in the boardroom."

Kaitlyn got up and brushed her skirt with fictitious dust. "I had just left."

Aria responded sternly, "No." "Remain. I would also like to know any decisions you make regarding my fiancé's future.

Tension crackled in the air. My throat constricted as I attempted to speak.

"Aria—"

Her voice trembled as she said, "Cole, I want the truth." "No more secrets. No more closed-door transactions. Either I walk or I stand next to you in this.

Kaitlyn looked at Aria and then at me. Do you truly wish to know the truth? Alright. In actuality, Cole has two choices. Join me in continuing the heritage for which he was born. Or pick you—and see his kingdom fall apart. Can you guess which one our dads are supporting?

Aria yelled, "I don't care what they want." "He shouldn't either."

Kaitlyn smiled again. Good luck, then. You'll require it.

Her heels reverberated like gunshots as she exited the room.

There was silence between us.

Approaching, Aria gazed at the closed folder. "Is that accurate?"

Slowly, I nodded. "Yes."

I felt something shatter inside of me as she went for the folder, opened it, and read the clause.

With her eyes fixed on the page, she muttered, "I didn't come this far just to be someone's second option." "Not to you. Not to your dad. Not to her.

"You're not," I responded, taking a step forward. "The only thing I've ever picked for myself is you."

Then demonstrate it, she replied. "Set it on fire."

"What?"

Unflinching and aggressive, she looked directly into my eyes. "Set the contract on fire. Prove to me that you are not owned by this legacy. Present them. Cole, burn the contract.

I examined the folder. At everything it stood for: my future, power, and control.

I then turned to face her.

Her affection. Her strength. She refused to participate in a game that she wasn't invited to play.

I went to the fireplace after grabbing the folder and tearing out the page. Aria trailed behind, her eyes unblinking.

I held the paper up to the flame, causing it to curl and turn black.

The past vanished into thin air in an instant.

However, my phone buzzed once more before the moment could calm down.

I grabbed it up and scowled.

The message was sent via video.

From an unidentified number.

I pressed the play button.

A dimly lighted room was displayed on the television. A man gagged and bound, sat in a chair.

My heart stopped beating.

Thomas was the one.

The CFO of my company. My best pal. The man who had helped me expose my father’s last swindle.

He looked bruised. Horrified.

Then a deep, icy, familiar voice said.

Well done, Cole. However, every action has repercussions. Let's see what catches fire next.

The screen turned dark.

Aria took a sharp breath. I was still.

Additionally, for the first time in a long time...

I was terrified.