Page 48 of Deadly Legacy
Jacob Reynolds, Matthew Capital’s lead analyst, arranged his tablet and notes while Anya Meyers, their legal counsel, reviewed the final contract points. Both had proven their worthduring the Quantize Guard negotiations, and Reuben trusted them to get the job done today.
The door swung open. The Quantize Guard founders entered, anticipation radiating from them in almost visible waves. Mia Adebayo’s professional nod contrasted with the anxious energy radiating from Stephan Yan and Drew Davies as their eyes darted to the security personnel stationed at strategic points throughout the room.
Mia settled into her chair, spreading her contract copies in a fan pattern. “Everything ready?”
“All set.” Reuben took his seat, hands folded on the table. “Just waiting for—”
The conference room door swung wide. Dmitrii Miroslav entered with the confident stride of someone who considered ownership merely a formality yet to be completed. His presence seemed to compress the air in the room, making it a little harder to breathe.
Behind him came two men in tailored suits—the distinctive silver-haired legal counsel and the finance director from Wallace’s team. But no Wallace.
“Where’s Mr. Wallace Hoyt?” Drew Davies frowned, looking past Dmitrii toward the door.
“Wallace sends his regrets.” Dmitrii waved a dismissive hand. “He’s been unexpectedly detained. Nothing serious, I assure you. His team is fully authorized to proceed.”
“That’s... unusual for a closing of this magnitude,” Mia noted, her brow furrowing.
“Well, business is unpredictable,” Dmitrii smiled with a careless shrug of his shoulders. “As you all well know.”
A woman followed Dmitrii into the room. Reuben’s breath froze mid-inhale.
Charlotte Cheslyn paused in the doorway. Her gaze swept across the conference room with the detached assessment ofsomeone cataloging potential networking opportunities at a charity gala.
She had reverted to her maiden name after divorcing Wallace, maintaining it even through her recent remarriage. It was a choice that Reuben recognized as his mother’s effort to distance herself from Wallace Hoyt while retaining the social connections she’d built during the years she’d been married to him.
When her eyes passed over Reuben, they continued their scan without the slightest flicker of recognition. No maternal warmth. No hesitation. Nothing.
Under the table, Reuben’s fingers pressed hard against his palms, the pressure building until his hands trembled slightly. Something cold crystallized in his chest, a sensation like ice forming over still water.
“Charlotte Cheslyn.” Dmitrii gestured toward her with a lazy flick of his wrist. “A wonderful addition to our meeting. Her husband is quite invested in our city’s security infrastructure.”
“Pleasure to meet you all.” Charlotte’s lips curved upward while her eyes remained glacial. Her honey-blonde hair swept back in the exact same style Reuben remembered from school events and hurried goodbyes. “I was told Senator Greason’s wife would be joining us to discuss some community initiatives?”
“She’ll be here shortly.” Dmitrii’s gaze locked onto Reuben’s face, hunting for cracks in his composure.
Reuben felt his features settle into the expressionless mask he’d perfected at countless poker tables. He stood, arm extending toward his mother. “Welcome to Quantize Guard. Reuben Hoyt, Matthew Capital Ventures.”
Her hand felt cool against his skin, the contact lasting barely a heartbeat. The scent of her signature perfume wafted over him, unchanged since his childhood.
“Hoyt?” Her head tilted, birdlike. “Any relation to Wallace?”
“His son.” Reuben’s voice emerged flat and smooth, betraying nothing of the storm building beneath his ribs.
Charlotte’s smile froze before widening into a practiced social mask. “How fascinating,” she remarked in a voice pitched to carry just enough for nearby listeners. “Wallace never mentioned having a son in finance.” Her eyes flicked briefly to the others in the room, ensuring they registered this performance of polite surprise.
But a flash of recognition had crossed her face, betraying her lie. Although it was quickly buried beneath social blankness, Reuben noticed how her fingers tensed on her handbag strap and her spine straightened just a fraction too rigidly.
“We should probably get started,” Mia suggested, glancing uncomfortably between them.
“Of course.” Reuben returned to his seat, setting his shoulders. “The final terms are before you. Matthew Capital is prepared to offer full acquisition at twenty percent above valuation.” Reuben gestured to the documents in front of the Quantize Guard founders.
Dmitrii leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished table. “A generous offer. However, I believe our proposal deserves equal consideration.” He nodded to one of Wallace’s team members, who slid a folder across to Mia. “Hoyt Investment Group has increased its offer by fifteen percent above our previous terms.”
Jacob Reynolds leaned close to Reuben, whispering, “They can’t back that up financially. Their last three quarterly reports show significant losses.”
Reuben nodded slightly, keeping his focus on Dmitrii. The Russian’s confidence suggested something else was in play.
“We appreciate both offers,” Mia began, glancing between the two parties, “but Matthew Capital’s proposal better aligns with our long-term vision.”
