UNWANTED ALLIANCES

Chapter 2: Unwanted Alliances

Zane leaned back in his office chair, twirling a pen between his fingers as he stared at the contract on his desk. His name was printed beside Vincent Graves' in bold, unrelenting ink—proof that fate had decided to tie them together in a deal neither of them wanted.

The air in the boardroom was thick with tension. Vincent sat across from him, his cold gray eyes scanning the documents with a calm precision that irritated Zane to no end.

"This is a waste of time," Zane muttered, tossing the pen onto the table. "We both know you'll try to control everything."

Vincent finally lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable. "And we both know you'll resist until it ruins everything."

Zane scoffed. "At least I know how to have fun while doing it."

Vincent exhaled slowly, clasping his hands together on the polished table. "Let's be clear, Harrington. I'm not interested in playing games. This deal is happening whether you like it or not. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be for you."

Zane's jaw tightened. Easier for him? Vincent had no idea how much he loathed the thought of working under someone like him—someone who saw emotions as weaknesses, someone who never lost control.

But this deal wasn't just about business. It was about family. Legacy.

And no matter how much he hated Vincent, Zane couldn't afford to walk away.

He forced a smirk. "Fine, Graves. Let's make this deal happen. But don't expect me to play by your rules."

Vincent's lips curled into something almost resembling amusement. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."

The war had begun.

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