Xavier's office was unusually quiet as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the floor-to-ceiling windows. He sat behind his desk, reviewing Victoria Marcus's file for the third time that day. The deeper he dug, the more intricate Thomas's web of deceit appeared. It wasn't just about regaining his position in Cole Enterprises anymore; Thomas was waging a personal war against everything Xavier had built.
Xavier closed the folder, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. His thoughts drifted to Elizabeth, whose strength had been his anchor in the storm. He owed it to her—and to the employees who depended on Cole Enterprises—to see this through to the end.
A soft knock on the door broke his thoughts. Karen peeked inside, her expression hesitant.
"Mr. Cole, you have a visitor."
Xavier frowned. "Who is it?"
Karen hesitated. "It's Mr. Crestfield. He says it's urgent."
Xavier's pulse quickened. Crestfield Enterprises had been circling Cole Enterprises for years, eager to capitalize on any weakness. If Victor Crestfield was here, it meant trouble.
"Send him in," Xavier said, standing.
Moments later, Victor Crestfield strode into the office. He was a tall man with silver hair and a polished demeanor, exuding the air of a seasoned corporate predator.
"Xavier," Victor greeted, his voice smooth. "I appreciate you taking the time to see me."
"I didn't realize I had a choice," Xavier replied coolly, gesturing for him to sit. "What brings you here?"
Victor chuckled, lowering himself into the chair opposite Xavier. "Straight to the point. I like that. I'm here because your brother has been making some rather… interesting proposals."
Xavier's jaw tightened. "I'm aware."
"Then you know he's desperate," Victor said, leaning forward. "He's promised me influence over Cole Enterprises in exchange for financial backing. Quite an offer, wouldn't you say?"
Xavier's fists clenched under the desk. "And yet, you're here instead of working with him. Why?"
Victor smiled. "Because I'm not a fool. Thomas is reckless and impulsive. Aligning with him would be a gamble, and I don't make gambles. But you, Xavier—you're different. You're the future of Cole Enterprises. That's why I came to you first."
Xavier studied Victor, trying to decipher the man's motives. "What are you offering?"
"A partnership," Victor said smoothly. "I'll cut ties with Thomas and ensure he doesn't gain any allies from my network. In exchange, I want a stake in Cole Enterprises—10%, to be exact."
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "That's a bold demand for someone who's done nothing but try to undermine us for years."
Victor chuckled. "Perhaps. But think of it as an investment in your leadership. With me as an ally, you won't have to worry about vultures like Thomas or anyone else. Together, we could strengthen Cole Enterprises in ways you can't imagine."
Xavier stood, his expression unreadable. "I appreciate your visit, Victor, but I don't make deals with opportunists."
Victor's smile faltered. "You might want to reconsider. Thomas isn't the only threat you're facing, Xavier. The market is watching your every move, and one misstep could cost you everything."
Xavier stepped around the desk, towering over Victor. "I'd rather fight this battle alone than sell out to someone like you. Cole Enterprises will stand strong without your so-called help."
Victor rose, his demeanor cool but his eyes sharp. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you."
As Victor left, Xavier felt a surge of determination. Crestfield's offer had been tempting in its own way, but he couldn't compromise the company's integrity—not for Thomas, and certainly not for Victor Crestfield.
Later that evening, Xavier returned home to find Elizabeth waiting for him in the study. She had a glass of wine in her hand and a stack of papers spread out on the desk.
"You're working late," Xavier said, his voice softening at the sight of her.
She looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "I wanted to go over a few things. Damage control, mostly. Clara sent over some reports on the media fallout."
Xavier approached, placing a hand on her shoulder. "How bad is it?"
"Not as bad as it could be," Elizabeth admitted. "Clara's team is doing an incredible job. Most of the coverage is neutral now, focusing on your leadership rather than the drama with Thomas."
Xavier nodded, his fingers brushing against her hair. "You've been amazing through all of this. I don't know how I'd manage without you."
Elizabeth turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "You're not alone in this, Xavier. Whatever happens, we'll handle it together."
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. In that moment, the chaos of the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of her presence.
Across town, Thomas was in a very different mood.
He sat in a dimly lit bar, nursing his third whiskey of the night. The meeting with his mysterious contact had left him more furious than ever. The person—an anonymous middleman claiming to represent interested investors—had offered little more than vague promises of support in exchange for half of Cole Enterprises.
"Ridiculous," Thomas muttered under his breath, slamming his glass on the table.
He was running out of options. Xavier had outmaneuvered him at every turn, and the suspension had effectively cut him off from the company's resources. If he didn't find a way to regain control soon, everything he had worked for would slip through his fingers.
His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen to see a message from an unknown number:
"Time is running out, Mr. Cole. If you're ready to play, we're ready to win. Let me know."
Thomas stared at the message, his mind racing. He didn't trust the sender, but the alternative was unthinkable.
With a deep breath, he typed a response.
"I'm in. Tell me what to do."
The storm brewing around Cole Enterprises showed no signs of slowing, but Xavier was ready. With Elizabeth by his side and the truth on his side, he felt prepared for whatever came next.
But as Thomas's desperation grew, so did the risks. And in the shadows, forces were aligning that threatened to push both brothers to their breaking points.