Page 4 of Deadly Legacy
As they pulled to the curb, Alexei opened the car door before the driver could, his normally smiling face grave. “Look whofinally decided to join the corporate world today.” The attempt at their usual banter fell flat.
In the months since Reuben had helped build-out Matthew Capital, he and Alexei had developed an unexpected friendship that surprised them both. What had started as Alexei’s strategic invitation—recognizing that Reuben’s financial acumen could benefit the Matvei’s family’s legitimate interests—had evolved into true camaraderie built on mutual respect.
“Well, some of us were busy taking a beating in training today.” Reuben stepped onto the sidewalk, the summer heat hitting him like a wall after the car’s coolness.
“And it appears that Stepan’s methods are effective.” Alexei’s eyes flickered to a fading bruise on Reuben’s jawline. “Though I prefer my gym workouts with fewer contusions.”
Nikon stepped out from the car, clasping his brother’s shoulder briefly. “Any developments?” The question was direct and economical, typical of his approach to business matters.
Alexei’s smile dimmed. “Well, we’ve checked and confirmed the competing investment group.”
“And this mysterious competitor is...?” Reuben pressed as the three men entered the private elevator.
Alexei glanced at Nikon, then back at Reuben. “It’s Wallace Hoyt. He’s heading the investment team personally.”
Reuben halted mid-step. “Wallace Hoyt?” His brow furrowed. “From Hoyt Investment Group?”
Alexei nodded, his eyes carefully watching Reuben’s face. “The one and the same.”
“That’s...” Reuben swallowed, looking between Alexei and Nikon. “You’re talking about my father? Wallace Hoyt is my father.”
Nikon stepped closer, his hand once again finding the small of Reuben’s back. “Yes. We only found out this morning.”
Reuben let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Of all the investment firms in all the world...” He shook his head, processing the implications. “Are you sure? I mean, he hasn’t been involved in direct acquisitions for years.”
“He’s personally leading this one,” Alexei said quietly. “His signature is on all the paperwork.”
The name landed hard. Wallace Hoyt. His father. The man who had disowned him for being gay, and who had used his connections to blacklist Reuben from every reputable financial institution.
“Well.” Reuben fought to keep his voice steady. “Family reunions are always awkward, but this is taking it to a new level.”
Alexei’s expression softened with concern. “We have the full proposal. His firm is using their old-school status to make our company seem like the risky newcomer. They’re playing the‘trust the devil you know’card—painting themselves as the safe bet and us as untested upstarts.”
“Of course he is.” The elevator doors opened to Matthew Capital’s reception area, the stylized M.C.V. logo glowing against the back wall. “He always thought appearances mattered more than substance.”
“Reuben.” Alexei placed a hand on his shoulder, the gesture brotherly. “We have options.”
Nikon stepped forward, positioning himself slightly ahead of Reuben. The protective stance was so ingrained he likely hadn’t realized he’d done it. “This isn’t over.”
“No,” Reuben agreed, squaring his shoulders. “Still, my father taught me one valuable lesson—never back down from a challenge.” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. “Perhaps it’s time to show him I was paying attention.”
Chapter 2
Nikon stood motionless against the back wall of the conference room, arms folded across his chest as Alexei clicked through slide after slide of financial data.
To outsiders, Nikon appeared merely attentive. But inside, fury twisted through him, hot and lethal.
Wallace Hoyt.
The name echoed in his head as he watched Reuben handle the presentation with unwavering professionalism. The same man who had disowned his son, tried to destroy his future, now moved against the very business Reuben was trying to build.
“Their bid structure mirrors ours almost exactly.” Reuben pointed to the comparison chart. “Which might suggest they had inside information.”
“A leak?” One of the junior analysts straightened in his chair, the leather squeaking against the silence of the room filled with Matthew Capital Ventures staff. Around the conference table, several other team members exchanged concerned glances.
“Perhaps.” Reuben paused to adjust his cuffs, tilting his chin up slightly as he did so, allowing Nikon to see his quick, controlled swallow in the subtle bob of his Adam’s apple.
Alexei swiped to the next slide. “The timing is what concerns me. Six days after our initial meeting with Quantize Guard, Hoyt Investment submits a competing offer with remarkably similar terms.”
