Page 54 of His By Contract
“The merger with Sterling Industries proved quite successful,” an older gentleman in wire-rimmed glasses said. “Though I heard Richard Vaughn played a significant role in securing those early negotiations.”
“Yes, he did collaborate with Adler Capital on several ventures.” Georgia’s voice carried just the right note of casual reflection. She accepted a fresh glass of champagne, letting the crystalstem rest delicately between her fingers. “It’s fascinating how personal connections shape business dealings, isn’t it? Though sometimes those lines blur in… unexpected ways.”
“What do you mean by that, Mrs. Adler?” A woman in a midnight blue gown leaned forward, interest sparking in her eyes.
“Well,” Georgia’s smile turned wistful, “when you’re close to someone powerful, it’s not always clear if they value the relationship or just the leverage it provides.” She paused, as if catching herself. “I shouldn’t say more.”
Catherine Walsh, the journalist who’d been hovering nearby, stepped closer, her recorder partially concealed by her clutch. The investors exchanged glances, one of them clearing his throat.
“That’s quite an observation, Mrs. Adler,” he said. “Speaking from experience?”
Georgia let vulnerability flicker across her face. “Let’s just say I’ve learned that some people view trust as a currency to be traded.” She smoothed her dress, the gesture deliberate. “But enough about that—have you heard about the children’s hospital fundraiser?”
More guests drifted toward their circle, but Georgia caught the way they studied Vaughn with new speculation in their eyes.
Georgia glided away from the group, her heels clicking softly. Behind her, whispers floated through champagne-scented air.
Catherine Walsh’s pen scratched against paper, her face composed, but her eyes bright with the scent of scandal. Georgia caught fragments of the journalist’s murmured words: “…risingtensions between financial titans…” and “…deeper connections than previously reported…”
The group’s conversation dropped to hushed tones as Georgia passed out of earshot, their gazes darting between her retreating figure and Vaughn’s position across the room. The story was already taking shape in their minds, exactly as she’d intended.
Georgia scrolled through her phone, the quiet hum of CNBC’s market coverage filling Adrian’s office. Late afternoon sun slanted through the windows, catching on chrome and glass surfaces. The familiar scent of leather and Adrian’s cologne couldn’t mask the underlying tension crackling through the pristine space.
Her phone buzzed. A news alert banner slid down from the top of her screen:Adler Capital’s Controversial Merger: Insider Trading Suspected. Her fingers hovered over the notification, muscles tense, before she forced herself to tap the screen, heart thundering against her ribs as she scanned the article’s opening paragraphs.
“Breaking news,” the TV anchor’s voice cut through her concentration. “Documents leaked today suggest Adler Capital’s involvement in a merger with ties to financial misconduct. Sources claim evidence of insider trading…”
Acid churned in Georgia’s stomach. She lifted her gaze to find Adrian already watching her, his eyes sharp and focused. His phone lit up, buzzing against the polished surface of his desk. He picked up a call, his voice smooth as aged whiskey.
“The allegations are completely unfounded,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “We’re dealing with unsubstantiated rumors from unreliable sources.” He paused, listening. “No, I assure you there’s no cause for concern.”
Georgia watched him work, noting how he guided the conversation with subtle authority, never raising his voice or showing a hint of worry. When he hung up, his eyes met hers briefly, accompanied by a small nod that carried volumes of unspoken meaning.
The TV screen filled with social media reactions. Investment forums exploded with speculation.Adler Capital Exposed?one headline screamed. Others defended the company’s reputation, questioning the timing of the leak.
The door opened with a soft click as Adrian’s PR chief entered, tablet in hand. Adrian didn’t look up from his screen.
“Deny the merger outright,” he said, voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. “Label it as fabricated. Get confirmation from the other company immediately.” His fingers stilled on the keyboard. “Have a press release ready within the hour.” The only sign of tension was a slight tightness around his mouth, a tell Georgia had learned to recognize.
Georgia’s phone vibrated again, lighting up with fresh headlines. Georgia froze as she saw Vaughn’s name splashed across financial news sites, connecting him to the supposed leak. Mentions of an email trail from Adler Capital to a private account linked to Vaughn threaded through the articles. She lifted her gaze to Adrian, catching the flash of cold satisfaction in his eyes before his features smoothed back to marble perfection.
Adrian crossed to the window, sunlight casting harsh shadows across his profile. “Yes, proceed with the filing,” he spoke into his phone. “I want the lawsuit public before noon. Defamation and corporate sabotage. Make it clear.”
Hour by hour, Georgia tracked the fallout. Vaughn’s company stocks began their steady decline, each percentage point dropping like stones in still water. Investment forums buzzed with speculation, support crumbling as quickly as sandcastles at high tide. A financial analyst’s tweet caught her eye: “If merger allegations were true, would Adler Capital risk legal exposure with a lawsuit?”
The leather couch creaked as Adrian returned from his board meeting, settling beside her. His shoulder pressed against hers as he leaned close, checking her screen. His fingers brushed against hers, sending electricity through her skin. “It’s starting,” he murmured, his breath warm on her ear.
Her phone was filled with breaking news: Adrian’s lawsuit filed, the demands for reparations and public correction splashed across every major financial outlet.
Georgia felt ice settle in her veins. No triumph, no celebration, just cold certainty as their plan unfolded exactly as intended. The statement from the company named in the fake merger appeared on the ticker, perfectly aligned with Adrian’s denial of any merger talks. Vaughn’s name trended higher, calls for investigation growing louder by the minute.
Adrian watched each update with predatory focus, his stillness more threatening than any display of anger.
Georgia kept her eyes fixed on the screen, letting the updates wash over her. Adrian’s fingers traced a brief line across herwrist as he moved to take another call, his touch grounding her in the moment even as chaos swirled through the financial world.
Shadows stretched across the penthouse floor like dark fingers reaching through the glass windows. Georgia pulled the cashmere throw closer, its softness a comfort against her bare legs as she settled deeper into the leather sofa. The city sparkled beyond the glass, a sea of lights that seemed impossibly far away.
Adrian stood beside her, whiskey glass caught in his grip, amber liquid catching the dim light. His presence filled the space, quiet but absolute. The TV cast a blue glow across his features, the anchor’s voice barely audible.
