Chapter 5: The Corporate Siren
Chapter 5: The Corporate Siren
The corporate world does not stop spinning just because a man finds his soul.
Two months after the Christmas miracle, the pristine silence of the Santillán estate was broken by the sharp, persistent ringing of a secure phone. Alejandro looked down at the screen.
Julian Vance.
The most ruthless venture capitalist on Wall Street, and Alejandro’s longest-standing business ally. Alejandro swiped the screen, his voice flat. "I told you, Julian. I am taking an extended leave."
"Leave is for men who haven't just been offered a multi-billion-dollar merger in London, Alejandro," Julian’s voice purred through the speaker. "The board is waiting. The jet is fueled. We need the old Alejandro back. The one who cuts throats and cashes checks."
Alejandro looked out the French doors of his study. On the snow-thawed lawn, Valeria and her three sisters were chasing a golden retriever puppy he had bought them. Their laughter drifted through the glass—warm, fragile, and priceless.
"The old Alejandro is dead, Julian," Alejandro said quietly.
"Don't be a fool," Julian hissed. "A man of your stature doesn't choose fairy tales over an empire. If you don't show up to the executive meeting tomorrow, the board will vote to replace you as Chairman. You’ll lose everything you built."
Alejandro went cold.
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He looked back at his daughters. He had promised them he would never leave again. But Julian wasn't just offering a deal; he was issuing a threat. If Alejandro lost his company, the security and luxury he used to protect his family would crumble.
He closed his eyes, the heavy weight of his past pulling at his shoulders.
