Chapter 6 - The Summit in Manhattan
The rain over Manhattan was relentless, slicking the glass exterior of the seventy-story Vance Global Tower on Wall Street.
Inside the grand, marble-paved lobby of the penthouse executive suite, Preston Hale paced nervously back and forth across the carpet.
He looked ten years older than his thirty-nine years. His once-tailored suit hung loosely on a frame that had lost weight from stress and sleepless nights. Deep dark circles carved pockets under his eyes, and threads of silver had invaded his dark hair.
Behind him sat his father, Arthur Hale, looking frail and defeated, clutching a worn leather briefcase containing the absolute last financial assets of their dying family business.
"Preston, sit down," Arthur rasped, his voice trembling. "You’re making me nervous."
"I can't sit down, Father!" Preston snapped in a tense whisper, checking his cheap replacement watch. "This is it! If Lord Vance’s investment firm doesn't buy our remaining real estate portfolio today, the banks will seize the Greenwich house by Friday! We’ll be completely broke! Do you understand? Street-level broke!"
"If you hadn't gotten involved with that Foster girl..." Arthur began bitterly.
"Don't start with me!" Preston hissed, his eyes flashing. "You were the one shouting about a male heir! You were the one pushing me to get rid of Lena!"
Every single day for the past three years, Preston had lived in a private hell of regret.
After Lena vanished, he had hired four different private investigation agencies to track her down. But Lena had covered her tracks with absolute perfection. She had changed her phone, closed her US accounts, and moved under her maiden name to a jurisdiction that shielded her privacy. His daughters were gone. His wife was gone. His pride was shattered.
He realized too late that Lena had been the spine of his life. She was the one who kept his schedules, managed his temper, quietly advised him on corporate deals, and built a warm home that gave him respectability. Without her, he was just an arrogant man swimming in a sea of sharks, and the sharks had eaten him alive.
The heavy double doors of the boardroom opened.
A sleek executive assistant in a grey suit stepped out. "Mr. Hale? Lord Vance and the Board of Directors will see you now."
Preston wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers, adjusted his tie, and took a deep breath. "This is our shot, Dad. Put on a smile."
They walked into the massive boardroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the rainy Manhattan skyline. Around a polished black granite table sat six senior European executives, all looking sharp, powerful, and unimpressed.
At the head of the table sat Lord Julian Vance.
"Welcome, gentlemen," Julian said, his voice deep and cultured. "Please, have a seat."
Preston and Arthur quickly sat down at the far end of the table, spreading out their financial brochures.
"Lord Vance," Preston began, trying to summon the charming, confident salesman persona he used to possess. "Thank you for taking this meeting. Hale Enterprises has a rich forty-year history in tri-state commercial real estate. Our current asset portfolio, despite temporary liquidity challenges, presents a high-yield opportunity for Vance Global..."
Julian raised a single hand. Preston immediately stopped talking.
"Mr. Hale," Julian said smoothly. "Before we discuss your debt figures, I must inform you that I do not make final acquisition decisions for Vance Global alone. The majority owner and Managing Director of our restoration and asset development division holds ninety percent of the voting power in this buyout."
"Of course," Preston said eagerly, looking around. "Is your partner joining us via video call?"
"She is joining us right now," Julian said, looking toward the private executive entrance at the side of the room.
The heavy mahogany door clicked open.
The sound of sharp, confident designer heels echoed against the polished floor.
A woman stepped into the room. She wore a tailored crimson dress that accentuated her long, elegant frame. Diamond studs caught the light at her ears. Her eyes were bright, clear, and colder than an arctic winter.
Preston turned his head to look.
The brochure in his hands slipped through his fingers, scattering papers across the table.
His jaw dropped open. His breath hitched in his throat as his eyes widened in absolute, paralyzing disbelief.
"Le... Lena?" Preston choked out, his voice cracking like dry wood.
Lena Hartwell walked slowly to the head of the table, taking the executive leather chair right next to Lord Vance. She placed her leather notebook on the table, leaned back, and rested her chin on her linked fingers.
May you like
She looked directly into the eyes of the man who had discarded her three years ago.
"Good morning, Preston," Lena said, her voice smooth, calm, and terrifyingly powerful. "Let's talk about your business."
