The financial world was still reeling from the downfall of Carter Enterprises, but behind closed doors, another storm was brewing—one that no one saw coming.
Chris sat in his dimly lit study, eyes scanning the reports on his screen. The takeover was seamless. Executed with precision. While the public focused on Jaxon's father's fraud scandal, Chris had been quietly pulling strings, acquiring the company's most valuable assets through various shell corporations.
By the time the dust settled, Carter Enterprises was his.
And no one knew.
A knock at the door of his penthouse interrupted his thoughts. Seconds later, Ethan stepped inside—Chris' most trusted advisor, the only one who knew the truth about his wealth. He placed a folder on the desk and leaned against the wall.
"It's done. The last of their board members resigned today. You own everything."
Chris smirked. He didn't need public recognition. Power wasn't about people knowing your name—it was about control. And right now, Jaxon Carter had lost everything, while Chris held the keys to his family's empire.
"And Jaxon?" Chris asked, though he already knew the answer.
Ethan exhaled. "Completely unaware. He thinks some foreign investors took over. The media's still distracted by the scandal, so no one's questioning the ownership transfer."
Chris leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood.
Perfect.
"Keep it that way," he said. "The moment people realize who's really behind this, it becomes messy. I prefer staying in the shadows."
Ethan nodded, pushing off the wall. "And Skylar?"
Chris' smirk faded slightly. Skylar… She had checked on Jaxon today. It was a small thing, but it irritated him. He had removed Jaxon from the equation. He had ensured that Skylar wouldn't have to deal with him anymore.
And yet, she still cared enough to ask about him.
"Leave her out of this," Chris muttered. "For now."
Because soon, she would know.
Not the truth about his wealth—no, that secret remained untouchable.
But she would know that Jaxon Carter was nothing.
And that everything—whether she
realized it or not—belonged to him now.