Chapter 11 - Dirty Tactics|
I summoned my driver and headed straight to the Blackwood headquarters.
The moment I stepped into the sprawling lobby, I saw Julian standing with his arms crossed next to Marcus Blackwood, a billionaire heir with an arrogant smirk and sleazy eyes. Julian was back in expensive suits, his smug confidence having magically returned.
“Welcome, Miss Sterling,” Marcus sneered. “It seems your South Port project is lacking a little... material, isn't it?”
“Was this childish stunt your idea, Julian?” I glanced at him coldly, completely ignoring Marcus.
Julian stood taller, his tone dripping with provocation.
“I merely advised Mr. Blackwood on the vulnerabilities in your supply chain, Clara. I know you too well. You don't have the stomach for this kind of corporate pressure, especially since...” He eyed my heavy stomach. “...you’re so close to your due date.”
I let out a laugh, a cold, sharp sound that immediately wiped the smile off Julian’s face.
“You think cutting off one steel supplier is enough to cripple Sterling? You forgot one crucial detail, Julian.” I took a step forward, getting right in Marcus’s face. “The Blackwood family currently owes the Swiss Central Bank three billion dollars for last year's hostile takeover. Guess who holds the largest veto power in that bank’s shareholder committee?”
Marcus’s face went pale. He whipped his head toward Julian. “You said the Sterlings didn't have deep ties in European finance!”
“I... I...” Julian stammered, sweating.
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“Tomorrow morning, by 8:00 AM,” I tapped my manicured fingernail on the front desk. “The steel contract will be reinstated with a 20% discount as an apology for wasting my time. If it isn't, I will personally call Switzerland and freeze every liquid asset Blackwood has. Have a terrible day, gentlemen.”
I turned and walked away, my heart soaring with victory. But the moment I reached the revolving glass doors, a blinding, tearing pain ripped through my lower abdomen.
