Ethan’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as the dismissal settled over him like a cold shadow.
When had anyone ever dared to humiliate him like this? Especially in front of Alexander Kingsley—a man whose very name was synonymous with ruthless power—who now openly praised Isabella.
Seated in his wheelchair, a charcoal-gray blanket draped over his legs, Alexander exuded an effortless dominance. Despite his physical limitations, his presence was suffocating. His words cut like shards of ice, and the weight of his gaze alone could freeze the blood in one’s veins.
It was the kind of presence that made you want to retreat before it was too late.
Ethan only snapped back to reality when Sophia’s fingers curled gently around his, her voice a whisper against the storm brewing inside him.
“Ethan?”
He inhaled sharply, forcing his temper down. The benefits to his company were too significant to let pride ruin this. Even as fury simmered beneath his skin, he kept his tone measured.
“Since you prefer directness, Mr. Kingsley, let’s not waste time.”
His gaze flickered briefly to Alexander. The man was powerful, yes—but what use was power when he was trapped in a wheelchair for life? No amount of influence could change that.
And Isabella? She could cling to him all she wanted, but soon enough, she’d realize she’d shackled herself to a man whose temper was as volatile as his reputation. When that day came, even if she crawled back to him, Ethan wouldn’t lift a finger to help her.
“All I ask is a simple favor,” Ethan said smoothly. “In exchange for arranging a meeting with the president of the Everett Group, I’m prepared to offer you ten percent of Blackwood Holdings’ shares.”
This was his trump card. He refused to believe even a man like Alexander could resist such an offer.
At first glance, it was tempting. The Everett Group was the largest advertising empire in Ontario, its president notoriously elusive. Their strategies were revolutionary—copied by many, mastered by none.
For Alexander, this was a win-win. If the deal succeeded, Blackwood Holdings’ stock would skyrocket, and he’d reap endless dividends. Even if it failed, ten percent was still a fortune.
But then—Isabella smiled. A small, knowing curve of her lips.
And just as she predicted, Alexander’s voice cut through the room like a blade.
“You expect me to help you with that?”
His gaze sharpened, dismissing Ethan and Sophia as if they were children playing a game they didn’t understand.
“Mr. Kingsley, I urge you to reconsider,” Ethan pressed, a thread of desperation slipping into his tone. “This deal is practically foolproof.”
Alexander’s lips curled in disdain. “I don’t lack money. Petty profits like this don’t interest me.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a lethal murmur. “More importantly, I tolerate ruthless partners—but I despise reckless ones.”
Even confined to a wheelchair, his superiority was absolute.
“Someone who can’t even judge his allies properly?” Alexander continued, his tone scathing. “Tell me—do you truly believe, with such limited vision, that you’re fit to negotiate with me?”
Isabella didn’t flinch. Alexander’s unpredictability was legendary, and Ethan had clearly underestimated him.
To Ethan, the Blackwood fortune was everything. To Alexander? It was pocket change. If he wanted wealth, why bother with Ethan? He could dismantle Blackwood Holdings with a snap of his fingers.
“Mr. Kingsley,” Sophia began, her voice sweetly innocent—
A single, barely audible tap of Alexander’s knuckles against the table silenced her instantly.
