Page 31 of Cruel Hero

“You’re right, Alexander was an unconventional choice. But that’s exactly why I picked him. Carter Corporation needs a major overhaul—fresh blood and new ideas. Plus, Alexander may be young, but he can help steer the company in a more positive direction.”

“It’s a risky move. The board won’t give up power easily.”

“I know. But I’m willing to take that risk if it means transforming Carter Corporation into something I can be proud of. Something that does more good than harm in this world.”

A small smile tugs at his lips. “Your idealism is admirable, if a bit naïve. The corporate world isn’t known for its ethics.”

“Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to change it. Someone has to take the first step.”

Adrien holds up his hands. “I’m not criticizing, just observing. Your determination to do the right thing is one of the things I lo—” He cuts himself off abruptly, clearing his throat. “It’s one of the things I admire about you.”

“Well, I appreciate your support, even if you think I’m being naïve.”

His eyes soften as he reaches out to cup my cheek. “I may not always agree with your methods, but I’ll always support you, Tiffany. Never doubt that.”

I lean into his hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

“I should get going,” Adrien says, reluctantly pulling away. “I’ll have breakfast sent up for you. Is there anything specific you’d like?”

“Surprise me.” I smile. “Just make sure there’s coffee.”

Adrien chuckles as he starts to dress. “Noted. I’ll check in with you later. Remember, stay in the penthouse and let security know if you need anything.”

I nod, watching him transform back into the powerful businessman I first met. I admire the way his tailored suit accentuates his muscular frame. He catches me staring and flashes a knowing smirk.

“See something you like?”

I roll my eyes. “Just making sure you look presentable for work.”

Adrien laughs, leaning down to capture my lips in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. “I’ll see you later,” he murmurs against my mouth before pulling away.

With one last lingering look, he’s gone, leaving me alone in his massive penthouse. I flop back onto the pillows with a sigh, already missing his warmth beside me.

After allowing myself a few more minutes to luxuriate in the ridiculously comfortable bed, I force myself to get up and face the day. I shower and dress up, then make my way to the kitchen where a lavish breakfast spread awaits.

Hours later, I find myself drowning in a sea of papers, receipts, and cryptic notes. My head throbs as I try to make sense of the chaotic mess that was my uncle’s business dealings.

Most of it seems mundane—expense reports, meeting minutes, contracts. But there are odd discrepancies that nag at me, like large sums of money transferred to offshore accounts and vague references to ‘shipments’ and ‘merchandise’.

I jot down anything that seems suspicious, but it’s like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when half the pieces are missing. Dean was meticulous about some things but maddeningly vague about others.

Frustrated, I lean back in the chair and rub my temples.

What am I missing? And how far does this rabbit hole go?

Just then, my phone buzzes with a text from Lucas.

Hey, haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. Is everything okay?

Lunch tomorrow?

I stare at his text, guilt washing over me. With everything that’s happened, I completely forgot to check in with him.

My fingers hover over the keyboard as I debate how to respond. I can’t exactly tell him the truth—that I’m holed up in Adrien’s penthouse after being threatened by my dead uncle’s shady business associates. But I also hate the thought of lying to him.

I type out a reply:

Sorry for going MIA. Got caught up dealing with the inheritance.

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