Chapter 31: Marcus Sinclair’s Offer
The glow of Manhattan's skyline flickered beyond the glass walls of Mila Morgan's office as she reviewed the latest numbers. Hawthorne Industries was reeling from her strikes, and the company was on the verge of collapse. She had strategically chipped away at Drake's empire, watching as deal after deal unraveled under the weight of her manipulations. The plan was unfolding perfectly. But even as the victory seemed within reach, Mila knew the battle wasn't over.
Drake was still a formidable adversary, and if there was one thing she had learned about him, it was that he didn't quit easily. He was a survivor, someone who thrived on adversity. And now that she had him on the ropes, Mila couldn't afford to lose focus. She had to deliver the final blow—and do it with precision.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Mila glanced up, expecting her assistant, but when the door opened, it wasn't the usual face that greeted her. Instead, it was Marcus Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Holdings and one of the sharpest—and most ambitious—players in the game. His presence was both unexpected and suspicious, as he had always remained on the periphery of the war between Hawthorne Industries and Morgan Enterprises. For years, Marcus had been waiting for the perfect moment to tip the scales in his favor.
Mila's eyes narrowed, her skepticism clear as Marcus strolled into the room with his usual air of confidence, his smile smooth and knowing. "Mila," he began, his tone laced with charm. "You've been making quite the moves lately. Hawthorne Industries is on the ropes, and I can't say I'm surprised. You've always been brilliant at this game."
Mila raised an eyebrow, offering him nothing more than a cold stare. She wasn't interested in flattery, least of all from someone like Marcus, whose ambitions had always been a little too aligned with his own self-interest. "What do you want, Marcus?" Her voice was crisp, cutting straight through his pleasantries.
Marcus chuckled, as if he appreciated the directness. He moved farther into the office and sat down across from her, looking entirely too comfortable in her space. "Straight to business, as always. I like that about you." His smile faded slightly, and his tone took on a more serious edge. "I know you're close to taking down Drake, but what if I told you I could make it easier for you? And while we're at it, I could help you deal with your little Penny problem."
At the mention of Penny, Mila's eyes flickered with interest, though she kept her expression neutral. She hadn't expected Marcus to bring Penny into the conversation. That alone intrigued her—and made her wary. She didn't trust Marcus, not for a second. He was ruthless, calculating, and always out for his own gain. But his offer piqued her curiosity. "Go on," she said, her voice measured.
Marcus leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of knowing he had her attention. "Drake's vulnerable right now. You've got him on the ropes, but if you want to finish this quickly, you'll need my help. I've got connections—ones that could push Hawthorne Industries into a complete freefall. And as for Penny... well, let's just say I know exactly how to handle people like her. She's still floating around, trying to crawl her way back into the corporate world. I can make sure she never comes back to haunt you."
Mila's mind raced, weighing the possibilities. Marcus's offer was tempting, but she knew better than to trust him blindly. He was the kind of man who saw people as pieces on a chessboard—pieces to be used, moved, and sacrificed when necessary. Partnering with him would undoubtedly complicate things, especially if he had his own designs on Morgan Enterprises. Still, the idea of delivering a swift, decisive blow to Drake's empire and tying up loose ends with Penny had undeniable appeal.
"What's the price, Marcus?" Mila asked, her tone cool. She knew there was always a price with him.
Marcus smiled, leaning back in his chair as if he had been waiting for this moment. "Nothing too outrageous. Just a strategic partnership. I'll help you take down Drake and deal with Penny—and in return, I want a slice of Morgan Enterprises. You keep control, of course, but I'd want a say in a few key areas—enough to make it worth my while."
Mila's eyes narrowed again, and this time the skepticism showed. A slice of Morgan Enterprises? Marcus wasn't just looking to help her win; he was looking to embed himself in her company. It was a power grab, and a bold one at that. She had come this far without needing anyone's help, and the idea of letting Marcus sink his claws into her company—however small the slice—was unsettling.
But the truth was, she couldn't deny the logic of his offer. Drake was still a powerful adversary, and the final strike was always the most difficult. Marcus's connections could make this easier. And as for Penny, the idea of ensuring she never again threatened her company's integrity was almost too good to pass up.
She paused, weighing her options carefully. Partnering with Marcus would bring complications, of course. He was the type to push for more once he had a foothold, and she knew that a deal with him today could lead to battles down the line. But the window to take down Drake was closing, and Marcus's influence could make all the difference.
Mila took a breath, keeping her voice steady. "I'll think about it, Marcus. But don't expect me to hand over anything just yet."
Marcus smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He stood, smoothing out the front of his perfectly tailored suit. "Take your time, Mila. But don't wait too long. The window of opportunity is closing, and when it does, I'll be moving on."
Mila watched him leave, her mind still racing. Marcus Sinclair was dangerous, there was no doubt about that. Partnering with him could give her the final edge she needed to crush Drake and secure Morgan Enterprises' dominance. But it could also open a door to new problems, new threats. And Mila had spent far too long building her empire to let anyone—even someone as connected as Marcus—take control.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Mila leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting to the glittering skyline outside. Drake's empire was crumbling, but the final move hadn't been made yet. And with Marcus now in the mix, the game had become even more treacherous.
But one thing was certain—Mila wasn't backing down. The endgame was approaching, and when it arrived, she would be ready to play it on her terms. Whether Marcus would be an ally or an enemy in that final moment was yet to be seen.
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