Chapter 18
In the top–floor boardroom of Harper Industries, the windows revealed a gray and overcast
sky.
Numbers on the projection screen flickered like knives, slowly bleeding the century–old Harper company dry.[]
“We hit another circuit breaker.” The CFO’s voice was shaking. “The banks just called–they’re terminating all agreements and demanding immediate loan repayment.“[]
The board members‘ eyes all turned to Kieran, their once–fawning gazes now filled with rage and disgust.
“Mr. Harper!” Director Carter slammed his hand on the table. “Aurora’s leaked all that dirt on us–you owe us an explanation!“]]
Kieran’s knuckles were white against the conference table, veins bulging.[]
Three days ago, he’d let Aurora walk because of her threats.]
But the second that bitch realized he’d cut off her money supply, she’d disappeared and dumped every piece of damaging evidence she had.[]
“Any word on where she is?” His voice was completely shot.[]
His assistant kept his head down: “Last surveillance showed her at JFK, but the flight records were wiped. Credit Suisse confirmed she drained the final two hundred million in liquid assets.“]
The boardroom went dead silent.[]
Kieran suddenly grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the door.[]
“Mr. Harper! Where are you going? The board meeting isn’t-“]
“We’re done here.”
The elevator shot straight down to the parking garage.[]
Kieran slumped into the driver’s seat, his phone screen lighting up with Yelena’s studio address.
When Lorraine pushed through the studio’s glass doors, she looked up to see a figure standing by the reception desk, her steps faltering slightly.]
Kieran’s suit was wrinkled to hell, dark stubble covering his jaw.]
The moment he saw her, something desperate and hopeful flashed in his eyes.[]
“Lorraine.”
The familiar way he said her name made
eyebrows lift.[]
She handed her umbrella to an assistant, her tone neutral: “What do you want, Kieran?“[]
Kieran’s throat worked: “Can we talk? Privately?“[]
“We can talk right here.” Lorraine gestured for the assistant to leave but didn’t invite him into the inner office. “I’ve got a meeting in five minutes.”
Rainwater dripped from Kieran’s hair, leaving dark spots on the carpet.
He’d never been so painfully aware that the woman who used to leave a light on for him wouldn’t even offer him a cup of coffee now.
“You’ve probably heard about Harper Industries.” His voice was rough, his pride finally cracking. “You were right–I shouldn’t have enabled that woman. Now I need the Castillo family’s resources.“]
Lorraine let out a soft laugh, looking up from her files: “So you’re here to borrow money?“]
Chapter 18
“Not just money.” Kieran stepped closer. “Your family has political connections, business networks. Right now, you’re the only one who’d be willing to help me…
e…“]
“I’d be willing to help you?” Lorraine closed her folder, her eyes ice–cold. “Did you forget we’re divorced?“]
The words hit him like a slap to the face.
He grabbed her wrist desperately: “I treated you pretty damn well when you lived at my place! Help me this once–name your price!“]
Lorraine looked down at his hand, then actually smiled: “Now you want to negotiate? Too bad I have zero interest in saving Harper Industries.“]]
“Lorraine!” Kieran’s voice cracked, his tone turning pleading. “I’m begging you…“[]
This man who never said “please” to anyone now stood before her with red–rimmed eyes.[]
For a moment, Lorraine felt disoriented, remembering all those nights she’d waited just as desperately for him to come home.]]
“Begging me?” She laughed softly. “You know, I begged you plenty of times too. But here’s the thing, dear Kieran–begging doesn’t guarantee shit. I learned that the hard way, and now so are you.“[]
Each word was like a knife to Kieran’s heart. He wanted to argue, but every word was true.[]
“Kieran.” Lorraine picked up her briefcase. “I’m sorry about your situation, but it’s not my problem.“]
She walked toward the door, her back straight: “Like you used to say–it was just a business arrangement. Don’t take it personally.“]]
As the glass door swung shut, Kieran stood there in stunned silence.[]
A studio assistant rushed in: “Ms. Castillo, your Milan Fashion Week flight is booked–tomorrow at 10 AM.“]
“Thanks.” Lorraine’s voice faded as she walked away. “Oh, and don’t let random people in here anymore.“]
Outside, the rain was getting heavier.[
Kieran’s phone buzzed with a breaking news alert:[]
“Harper Industries stock crashes 60%, founder Kieran Harper’s net worth plummets, company facing bankruptcy.“]
He looked up toward where Lorraine had disappeared, and one phrase suddenly realized:[]
He’d lost everything.
