The Power Play

Gabriel POV

I leaned back in my chair, watching Victor Sterling try to mask his frustration. 

I had him just where I wanted, but he wasn't my aim. The only person I was truly focused on was Isabella.

She sat stiffly, her arms crossed, eyes burning into me. She didn't like this. She didn't like me. I would handle that soon. 

I looked at my watch and smiled. "What do you say, Mr. Sterling?" I asked. "The time's ticking."

Victor cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Gabriel, let's be clear. You want a controlling stake in Sterling Tech?"

I nodded and answered. "That's right."

Murmurs spread through the executives.

"That would take away power from my hands," Victor continued. 

"Not completely, but yes," I answered.

"That's not possible," Victor replied. 

"It is. I can't risk having you lose more money like now," I said coldly. 

I noticed Isabella glaring at me with hatred from the corner of my eyes. 

I stifled a chuckle and waited for Victor to make up his mind. 

I knew Isabella was calculating, trying to find an opening. 

I smirked, turning to look at her and ruffle her thoughts. "You look like you have something to say, Isabella. Don't hold back on my account."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "You expect us to just hand over control of our company because of a temporary setback?"

I set my drink down, letting my gaze pin her in place. "Temporary? Sterling Tech is bleeding, and it's a lot of money. Your father asked for my help, and he knows it's better to have me than let the vultures eat your stocks."

Her nostrils flared. "And that's why you prefer to take us out. What sort of demon are you?"

I leaned forward, my forearms resting on the table. "Demon? Well, Isabella. You people aren't doing much except killing the company. Why should I let you have any more control?"

The outrage rippled through the room like a shockwave. Victor's face paled. The executives muttered in disbelief. But Isabella...she went silent.

She knew what I was doing.

I was testing her.

She lifted her chin, her eyes softening. "You're asking for too much."

I shrugged. "Then find another investor."

Then, it was silence. I was making her pay for being rude earlier. 

She was smart to know there weren't other investors. They had all pulled out. 

Victor exhaled heavily. "Give us time to consider."

I pushed my chair back and stood. "Take all the time you want. Just don't take too long. I'm not a patient man."

I started toward the door, but just as I passed Isabella, I paused, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "You should be thanking me. I'm the best option you have."

She didn't respond. But I could feel her anger, hot and controlled, radiating off her.

I walked out, leaving them to stew in their choices.

*******

Back at my penthouse, I poured myself another drink. The city skyline stretched before me, lights blinking like fallen stars.

This was exactly where I wanted Sterling Tech—cornered. Desperate.

Victor was too proud to admit defeat, but Isabella? She was different. She wasn't the type to roll over and surrender. She'd fight, claw, and scheme to find another way out.

I liked that about her.

The problem? It wouldn't be enough.

My phone buzzed on the table. It was Blake.

I answered, swirling my drink. "What is it?"

"You made your move?" he asked.

I smirked. "Of course."

Blake exhaled a laugh. "And how pissed was Isabella?"

"Very."

"Damn." He paused. "Are you sure this is just business for you?"

I sipped my whiskey, letting the burn settle. "It started that way. But I think I want a little more fun."

Blake didn't say anything for a moment. Then he breathed, "Be careful. She's not as easy as her father."

I scoffed. "I don't do careful."

He sighed. "Exactly."

I hung up, tossing my phone onto the couch. Blake was a loyal friend, but he worried too much.

This was business. Nothing more.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself, but I knew I wanted something else. 

*******

The next morning, I sat upright, done with the last document. I glanced at my phone. Victor would call anytime soon. 

But I got a different surprise. Isabella stormed into my office unannounced and fuming. 

"Sir, I tried to stop her," my assistant said, and I waved her away. 

"You son of a devil!" Isabella cursed. 

I leaned back in my chair, thrilled to see her. "You're early. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

She dropped a folder onto my desk. "You leaked it, didn't you?"

I arched a brow. "Leaked what?"

She glared. "The financial problems. The news is everywhere now. The stocks are already taking a hit."

I glanced at the folder, then at her. "And you think I had something to do with it?"

Her eyes flashed. "I know you did."

I stood slowly, walking around the desk, closing the space between us. She didn't move.

"You seem upset," I murmured.

"Don't play dumb with me! I know what you're doing," she snapped. "You're trying to force us to accept your stupid deal."

I picked up the folder, flipped it open and read it. The headlines were wicked, and I smirked. Sterling Tech on the Verge of Collapse? Internal Corruption or Just Poor Leadership?

I smirked. "Looks like you have a PR nightmare on your hands."

Her jaw clenched. "You bastard."

I lifted my gaze to hers. "If I wanted to destroy Sterling Tech, I would have. This? This is a nudge."

She let out a soft breath and stepped back. "Don't think for a second that I'll let you roll us over, Gabriel."

"I already did," I answered, and her face turned red. 

Her hands tightened into a fist, with her chest rising and falling. 

I made a mental note to piss her off anytime I got. She looked beautiful when angry.

I stood up and moved my face closer until we were inches apart. "You should reconsider my offer."

She lifted her chin. "Or what?"

My fingers moved a stray hair from her face, slightly brushing her cheek. She froze.

"Or you'll find out just how ruthless I can be," I said softly.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Her breathing got harsher, and she hissed. 

She snatched the folder off the desk, muttering. "This isn't over."

I held the laughter building inside me. "I hope not," I replied, watching her storm out. 

Her scent still lingered in the air, and I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.

This was getting interesting.