Collateral Damage

Soren - POV

All the stakeholders assembled at Dalton headquarters in the UK with polished shoes, sharp stares, and nerves stitched into the seams of their suits. They were here for one reason—to decide who’d take the charge of the company. Again.

Technically, I was still CEO. But this was never supposed to be permanent. That’s the deal I’d made with my grandfather: I’d step in temporarily, steer the ship until I could prove Joshua was capable of taking over for real.

“The agenda of today’s meeting is to appoint a new CEO,” the chairperson began, voice stiff and rehearsed. “After the passing of Mr.

Joshua Dalton, Mr. Beau Dalton, and Mr. Alex Dalton, our stock has taken a severe hit.”

He stopped. Looked straight at me. Like I was supposed to fix this. Like I was still one of them.

“We understand your tenure ends this month,” he continued.

I nodded. “Yes. I won’t be continuing.”

A hush settled in the room. Not shock—just disappointment they weren’t even trying to hide.

“You are the strongest candidate we have, Mr. Soren,” the chairperson pushed. “No one else matches your strategic ability or grasp of the business.”

I exhaled slowly. Internally, I was screaming. First of all, I never wanted this empire. I’ve got my own life, my own grind. And second... if things go south—which, let's face it, they might—I could be facing a prison for my sins. And if Dalton collapses under me? My grandfather would never forgive me. I won’t let his legacy burn because of me.

“Mr. Soren,” the chairperson pressed again.

“My decision is final,” I said firmly. “Find someone else.”

There was a pause. Then: “We have two candidates—Travis and Sophia. Both have passed internal vetting and their credentials are solid. We’ll put it to a vote.”

Minutes later, the decision was in: Sophia had won.

The rest moved fast. I had to meet her, pass the baton, stick around just a little longer. I tried calling Raisel—nothing. My gut tightened. Roacher earlier told me she had the flu and was resting, but that didn’t ease the weight pressing on my chest.

The next morning, I was set to fly out. Time to leave this chaos behind.

Then the car jerked to a stop.

“The hell?” I muttered, peering out the window. The airport was still a mile away. Another car had blocked our path.

I stepped out.

And that’s when I saw him. Killian.

“What’s the meaning of this?” I snapped.

“You’re not going to New York,” he said, deadpan.

“You threatening me? Is this some kind of kidnapping attempt?” I growled. “You know damn well I could ruin—”

“Save the threats. I’m doing this because Raisel asked me to,” he cut in.

My stomach dropped. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You’ve been trying to call Raisel, right? Anyone else picking up?”

My silence answered for me.

“You don’t know, do you?” he said. “The video. It’s been leaked. US authorities are looking to arrest you.”

“What? No. No, no—why the hell would Raisel reach you and not me?” I demanded. “She’s in danger, isn’t she? Who leaked it? Was it you?”

“Stop panicking,” he said coolly. Like it was that easy.

I could barely breathe. My mind was racing. Raisel… She didn’t deserve this. None of this.

“I’ll answer everything. But not here. Not in the middle of a damn road.” He gestured to his car.

“No. I’m going back home, even if it means—”

A sharp pain in the back of my skull.

Darkness rushed in, swallowing me whole.