Chapter 3
350words
Today, we land in the city I once called home. Leo presses his face against the airplane window. "Is this where you grew up, Mommy?"
"Yes, sweetheart." I smooth his dark hair, so like his father's. "This is where Mommy lived before Paris."
Marcus meets us at the private terminal. He hugs me tightly, then scoops Leo into his arms. "There's my favorite little man!"
Leo giggles as Marcus tickles him. "Uncle Marcus, did you bring me a present?"
I watch them with a full heart. Marcus has been more than a cousin – he's been Leo's father figure. The tabloids speculate endlessly about our relationship.
"The bid was successful," Marcus whispers as we walk to the car. "The Riverside Commercial District is yours."
A smile spreads across my face. "Alexander must be furious."
Marcus grins wickedly. "His team was blindsided when our offer came through."
The Riverside project has been Alexander's obsession for months. Every business publication covered his plans to expand King Enterprises into the area. Now it belongs to Nemesis Designs.
Our driver takes us directly to the new property. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the river. Perfect for my flagship store and design headquarters.
"What do you think, Leo?" I ask as he runs excited circles around the empty space.
"It's so big!" His voice echoes off the bare walls. "Can I have an office too?"
I laugh, lifting him into my arms. "Of course you can, my little businessman."
Marcus stands by the windows, checking his phone. "Alexander's team is requesting a meeting with the new owners."
My heart skips a beat at the mention of his name. "Schedule it for tomorrow."
"Are you ready to face him?" Marcus's eyes show genuine concern.
I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin. "I've been preparing for five years."
That night, I can barely sleep. Tomorrow, Alexander King will discover exactly who bought his precious development project. Tomorrow, the real game begins.
