Chapter 3

The night breeze outside the restaurant carried a sharp chill.

Victoria had barely reached the valet parking lot in front of the hotel when frantic footsteps and unhinged shouting erupted from behind.

"Victoria Vance, stop right there!”

Julian stormed up, reaching out aggressively to grab Victoria's wrist.

"If you don't pull back that revocation request today, don't even think about leaving. Do you really think you're anything in the M&A world without the Sterling name backing you!”

Victoria's eyes turned lethal. Her right hand was already positioned to execute a swift wrist-lock self-defense maneuver to break his grip.

However, before she could strike—ROAR!

A jet-black Maybach swept into the driveway with a masterclass power slide, the engine rumbling like thunder as it came to a precise halt right beside Victoria and Julian.

The rear passenger door opened smoothly.

A tall, imposing figure stepped out into the night air, radiating an overwhelming, icy dominance.

He wore an impeccably tailored navy three-piece suit. The Patek Philippe on his wrist caught the ambient light, gleaming with subtle, dangerous luxury.

Mature, calculating, and possessing the distinct, suffocating aura of a true titan of industry.

Alexander Thorne. Founder and CEO of Thorne Capital—the top-tier private equity juggernaut—and the single largest shadow creditor of the Sterling family business.

"Mr. Sterling,” Alexander's deep, baritone voice sliced through the night air like a razor. "Manhandling a distinguished lady in public, is this the famous Sterling family etiquette?”

The moment Julian recognized Alexander, his pupils contracted violently. His expression shifted instantly from unbridled fury to utter terror. "Mr. Thorne, what are you doing here?”

Alexander didn't even bother giving Julian a second glance. Instead, he turned around and faced Victoria directly.

The lethal edge around him softened by a fraction, replaced by the profound respect and admiration of a seasoned gentleman.

"Attorney Vance,” Alexander said with a slight nod, his dark eyes deep and intense. "It appears my timing is impeccable.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow, maintaining her signature poise. "Mr. Thorne. Here for dinner as well?”

"No. I came specifically for you,” Alexander replied, the corner of his lips tugging up into a faint curve. "And, while I'm here, to deliver a notice to Mr. Sterling.”

He turned his head slightly, his cold gaze brushing over Julian's ghostly face.

"During those critical weeks, Thorne Capital completed the buyout of all secondary debt tranches associated with Sterling Asset Management. Due to the sudden revocation of Attorney Vance's credit backing, your firm's debt rating has just been downgraded to junk status.”

"Exactly five minutes ago, the court granted Thorne Capital's emergency asset preservation order. At 9:00 AM sharp tomorrow, my liquidation team will arrive at your headquarters. Have your takeover documents ready, Julian.”

Julian looked as if he had been struck by lightning. He froze in place, unable to summon a single word of defense under Alexander's absolute authority.

Without another word to Julian, Alexander opened the Maybach's rear door for Victoria with flawless chivalry.

"Attorney Vance, care to join me for a drink? Regarding the upcoming Sterling restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings, I would like to formally retain you as my Chief Legal Counsel.”

He locked eyes with Victoria and added softly, "By the way, that $45,000 credit freeze—I had my team assist the bank with the expedited hold. Consider it my opening gift to you.”

Victoria looked at the man standing before her.

He didn't offer cheap sympathy or play a heroic savior. Instead, he used the most hardcore, brutal business mechanics to crush Julian's retreat, presenting her with a top-tier commercial partnership on a silver platter.

An electric, intoxicating chemistry flared silently in the air between two powerhouses.

Victoria's lips curved into a brilliant, striking smile. Stepping forward, she slid gracefully into the plush leather interior of the Maybach.

"It would be my absolute pleasure, Mr. Thorne.”

The heavy door shut smoothly, and the Maybach accelerated smoothly into the night, leaving Julian standing alone in the freezing wind.

Inside the cabin, ambient mood lighting framed the subtle tension between the two adults.

Victoria leaned back against the leather seat, tilting her head toward the man beside her. "Mr. Thorne, you mentioned that assisting with the card freeze was a welcome gift. But I've never believed in free lunches. What is your actual price?”

Alexander chuckled softly, a low, magnetic sound.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out an encrypted black folder, placing it in front of Victoria.

"It really is effortless talking to smart women.” Alexander said, his long fingers resting over the file, his eyes dark and dangerous.

"Julian is an idiot. But three years ago, when his father hid over $100 million in offshore accounts, the authorized signature on the compliance audit... belonged to you, Attorney Vance.”

Alexander leaned in slightly through the dim light, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper near her ear.

"If this account leaks, you'll be facing at least ten years in federal prison and a completely destroyed legal career. Now, Attorney Vance, are you still sure you want to be riding in my car?”