Page 120 of Broken Deal

The room is silent for a long beat, and I feel the weight finally lift off my shoulders. This has been long overdue, walking away from the legacy, the name—it’s time. Someone else can carry it forward. I’ve spent years chasing my father’s approval, and I did my best, but the fact is he’s gone, and it’s time I start living my own life.

Amos finally speaks, nodding slowly, “I think I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your honesty and knowing when to step down.” He pauses, glancing around. “As you know, the guidelines state you can choose a successor, ideally from your family line. Do you have anyone in mind?”

I nod. “I believe you all know my cousin, Nico Mancini.”

Amos raises his eyebrows, surprised. “Doesn’t he live in New York?”

“He does,” I confirm. “But he’s got some business in Chicago now, so he’ll be going back and forth. And honestly, Nico would be a great addition to this place.”

Nico Mancini is a force to be reckoned with. He’s fought for everything he’s got, and I know Vortex could use someone like him. He grew up under the shadow of impossible expectations from my uncle. The pressure has only made him stronger. Nico thrives in this cutthroat business world, in the ruthless tactics Vortex embodies. He’s always belonged in a place like this.

Right now, he’s in the middle of a battle for the CEO position ofImperium Press, competing with his older siblings. Landing a position here could tip the scales in his favor, proving to our uncle he’s the right one to take over the largest newspaper company in the country. Nico knows how to maneuver through these circles better than anyone I’ve met, and that’s exactly why I know he’s the change Vortex needs.

He’s also helped me achieve something only a man like him could pull off, so I owe him. But I was going to offer it to him anyway, even if he hadn't helped me.

Will this cause a war within the Mancini family? Most likely. But the position was rightfully mine from the start, so I get to decide who I want to pass it down to.

“I wish I could say it was a pleasure working with you all, but we both know it wasn’t.”

The room fills with knowing chuckles, and I find myself laughing along with them.

“I’ll always remain a member here—this place is practically where I grew up,” I add, glancing around one last time. “And I can’t wait to see what’s next from the sidelines.”

I give them a curt nod as I stand, walking away from the table with a sense of lightness I haven’t felt in years.

The conference room atVogue Elitefeels unnervingly calm as Nico and I sit at the head of the table, waiting for the guest of the hour to arrive. With Matteo’s help—the tech genius he is—we uncovered some valuable information: the owner ofVogue Elitehad made a string of poor investments, and the truth was, the company was hanging by a thread.

Luckily,Imperium Pressspecializes in buying struggling web media businesses and turning them around in no time. When I presented Nico with everything I had uncovered, he didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity. This deal was as beneficial for him as it was for me. Bringing a company of such a high caliber as this one to theImperium Presscorporation is a huge win for Nico.

Mila, Nico’s assistant, steps into the room. “He’s here.”

Nico gives a sharp nod. “Let him in.”

Max strides in, surprise lacing his features when his eyes find mine. I really have no business being here, but I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity of seeing this asshole get what he deserves.

Nico stands, buttoning his suit. “Please, take a seat.”

Max sits, looking around expectantly. “What’s going on?”

“I’m Nico Mancini?—”

Max interrupts, nodding eagerly. “Yeah, I know who you are. You’re doing great things over at Imperium. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Can’t say the same,” Nico deadpans. Pleasantries havenever been his strong suit. He flicks his wrist, checking his watch with a bored expression. “I’ll get straight to the point.Vogue Eliteis under new management, and a few things were brought to our attention. After completing our investigations, we’ve discovered that not only were you abusing your position of power by making one of your employees do all of your work for you, but you also twisted an article to fit your narrative and published it under said employee’s byline without her approval.”

Max raises his hands in defense. “Everything I used for that article was taken from her notes.”

“I don’t give a fuck if you got those notes from Jesus himself. She had a complete, perfect article, and you twisted it because you felt threatened.” Nico deadpans.

“Threatened?” Max sneers. “She was a good-for-nothing, mediocre journalist?—”

“Mediocre?” I snap, unable to hold back. “The same mediocre journalist who has been doing your fucking job for years?”

Nico shoots me a withering glare, warning me to step back. We agreed I wouldn’t intervene, but fuck it if I’m going to let him talk about Sophia like that.

Nico gives Max an enigmatic look. “I didn’t call you here to have a debate. To be honest, I’m surprised you think I gave you the impression I care what you have to say. You’re fired. And good luck finding a job as an editor in chief, because, as you know, Imperium owns about 90% of the media business. The other 10%? Well, I’ve made sure to inform them of your actions.”

Max’s face reddens, his eyes bulging as he stands abruptly. “You have no right, and no evidence?—”

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