Chapter 5 - An Unholy Alliance
By dawn, the news had hit the financial wires: WHITMORE BIOTECH STOCKS PLUMMET AS BOARD CHAIRMAN CHESTER ALDRICH ACCUSED OF EMBEZZLEMENT AND FRAUD.
Vanessa sat in Vance’s grand study, sipping hot coffee. Layla and Lily were upstairs in the playroom, their laughter echoing faintly through the estate’s security monitors.
"Chester has pulled in his favors," Vance said, leaning against his dark oak desk with a glass of scotch. "He’s backed by the Moretti crime family. They were using Whitmore BioTech’s research facilities to synthesize illegal bio-pharmaceuticals. Layla’s ear device wasn't just blocking her hearing—it was a beta prototype for an untraceable neural controller."
Vanessa’s blood ran cold. "They were testing military weapons on my baby?"
"Yes," Vance replied grimly. "And now that Chester knows I’m involved, he’s going to initiate a hostile takeover of your company at the emergency shareholder meeting tomorrow morning. He’ll use proxy votes to strip you of your CEO position before you can present the medical evidence to the federal court."
"I don't have enough shares to block him alone," Vanessa confessed, frustration tight in her chest. "My husband’s trust left 40% to me, but Chester controls 35%, and the neutral board members control the rest. They’re terrified of Chester."
Vance walked over to Vanessa, his dark presence filling the space between them. He reached into his desk and pulled out a heavy black leather folder, placing it in her hands.
"What's this?" she asked.
"A merger agreement," Vance stated flatly. "Thorne Global Logistics owns 18% of Whitmore BioTech through offshore subsidiaries. Combined, we hold 58%. An absolute majority."
Vanessa gasped. "You... you owned almost a fifth of my company?"
"I bought it two years ago when I suspected illegal activity in their supply chain," Vance explained. "I can give you total control of Whitmore BioTech today. But to make it legally airtight and keep the Morettis from targeting you through civil courts, we need to present a united front."
"Meaning?"
"A fake engagement," Vance said plainly, his hazel eyes locking onto hers. "Announce to the press that Thorne Enterprises is merging with Whitmore BioTech under a joint family alliance. No court, no board, and no mafia syndicate will dare touch you or Layla if you have the full weight of the Thorne name behind you."
Vanessa looked at the powerful man standing before her. He was dangerous, ruthless, and terrifying to the rest of the world. But she had seen how he looked at her daughter. She had seen how his own daughter adored him.
May you like
"What’s your price, Mr. Thorne?" she asked softly.
Vance stepped closer, his thumb gently catching a stray tear on her cheek. "My price is simple, Vanessa. Give me permission to destroy the men who stole your daughter's voice."
