Victor sat at his desk the following morning, the Manhattan skyline sprawling behind him. The city seemed distant, almost abstract, as he sifted through the reports Angela had prepared overnight. The meticulous summaries outlined Jared's moves over the past several months, from his meetings with journalists to cryptic transactions that hinted at a broader strategy.
The tension from the night before still lingered, but Victor had forced himself into a calmer state. Jared's theatrics weren't going to dictate his next steps. Victor Hargrove didn't react. He acted.
Angela walked in without knocking, a tablet tucked under her arm. "You didn't sleep, did you?" she asked, sitting across from him.
"I don't have time to sleep," Victor replied, pushing a report toward her. "Did you know Jared's been talking to The Herald?"
"I had a hunch," Angela said, her tone professional but tinged with frustration. "They're the perfect partner for someone like him—hungry for a story and willing to bend the truth to make it sensational."
Victor leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "This isn't just about Avalon. He's trying to reshape the narrative, make me the villain in every deal I've ever made. If this goes public…"
Angela interrupted, her voice sharp. "It won't. My team's already working on it. We've identified the reporter he's been meeting with—Elliot Kane. He's young, ambitious, and easily influenced."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "You think he can be bought?"
"Everyone has a price," Angela replied, her lips curving into a small, confident smile. "And if not, we'll make him think twice about running anything Jared feeds him. We'll discredit the story before it even gains traction."
Victor nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. Angela was efficient, ruthless, and capable of handling the immediate threat. But Victor couldn't shake the feeling that Jared wasn't just playing for attention. This was personal.
"Keep me updated," Victor said, dismissing her with a wave.
By midday, Victor was in the Hargrove Global conference room, briefing his inner circle on the Apex deal. The tension from his encounter with Jared lingered in his mind, but he refused to let it show. His team didn't need to know about the potential storm brewing behind the scenes.
"The Apex acquisition is our priority," Victor said, his voice commanding as he addressed the room. "It's going to position us as leaders in the green energy sector. Every detail needs to be airtight before the board signs off."
The team murmured their agreements, flipping through binders of projections and strategy outlines. One executive, a younger man named Simon Clarke, hesitated before speaking.
"Sir, there's some concern about public perception," Simon said carefully. "Apex's track record is solid, but with the increased scrutiny on corporate responsibility, we need to be prepared for backlash."
Victor's gaze hardened, but he kept his tone measured. "Backlash is inevitable in this business, Simon. What matters is controlling the narrative. We'll emphasize Apex's commitment to innovation and sustainability. That's what the media and the public want to hear."
Simon nodded, but his unease was clear. Victor made a mental note to watch him. Doubt, even in small doses, could be contagious.
That evening, Victor returned to his penthouse. The lights of the city stretched out before him, a reminder of the empire he had built. He poured himself a glass of bourbon and settled into his leather armchair, replaying the events of the past few days.
Jared's words echoed in his mind. "I don't have to win. I just have to make sure you lose."
Victor had faced plenty of adversaries in his career, but none had been as relentless—or as personal—as Jared. He knew this wasn't just about money or power. It was about vindication.
The flash drive haunted him. If Jared's claims were true, the contents could unravel everything he had worked for. But Victor wasn't about to let fear dictate his actions. He had dealt with threats before, and this one would be no different.
Pulling out his phone, he dialed Angela.
"I need an update," he said when she picked up.
"We're making progress," Angela replied. "Kane has been approached. He's wary, but we've planted seeds of doubt about Jared's credibility. If he moves forward with the story, it'll look like a desperate smear campaign."
"And Jared?"
"We're keeping tabs on him. He's been quiet since last night, but I doubt that'll last. My team is working on securing his financial records. If we find any leverage, we'll use it."
Victor nodded to himself. "Good. Keep the pressure on. I want this handled before it spirals."
Angela's voice softened slightly. "Victor, you know this won't end with Jared just walking away. He's not the type to give up."
"I know," Victor said, his tone firm. "But neither am I."
He ended the call and set his phone aside, staring out at the city once more.
Jared might have forced his way back into Victor's life, but he wouldn't stay there for long. Victor Hargrove had built his empire by outthinking and outmaneuvering everyone who challenged him.
This time would be no different.