BROKEN CROWNS AND NEW DEALS

Chapter 10: Broken Crowns and New Deals

The gala was in chaos. Gasps and whispers rippled through the room as guests stared at the damning evidence displayed on the massive screen. Waiters froze mid-step, security shifted uneasily, and business moguls murmured amongst themselves, sensing blood in the water.

Nathan's face had drained of all color. He turned to his father, panic in his eyes. "Dad, you don't believe this, do you? It's Vincent Graves! He's trying to manipulate you!"

Richard Harrington remained silent. His sharp gaze flicked between the incriminating documents, Nathan, and Vincent. His fingers twitched at his side—a small but telling gesture Zane recognized well.

He was calculating. Weighing his options.

Zane swallowed hard, forcing his emotions down. This was his brother, his family, but that had never meant much in the Harrington household.

Vincent, standing poised and unreadable, studied the unfolding chaos with quiet satisfaction. He leaned toward Zane, lowering his voice just enough for only him to hear.

"This is how your father operates, isn't it?" His tone was smooth, taunting. "He only values those who can win."

Zane's stomach twisted. He knew Vincent was right.

Richard finally turned to Nathan. His voice was eerily calm. "Tell me, son. Can you prove this is false?"

Nathan hesitated. That one moment of silence sealed his fate.

Richard straightened, his lips curling in disappointment. "Then I have no use for you."

The words struck like a blade. Nathan staggered back. "You—You can't be serious. You'd throw me away just like that?"

"I built this empire with my own hands," Richard said coldly. "I won't let you ruin it."

Security guards stepped forward. The message was clear.

Nathan turned to Zane, desperation and rage in his eyes. "Say something! Help me!"

Zane opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come.

Had Nathan ever done the same for him?

Had he ever defended Zane when their father dismissed him?

No.

Nathan saw the answer in Zane's hesitation.

His face twisted in fury. "You think this bastard cares about you?" He pointed a shaking finger at Vincent. "He's using you, Zane! Just like Dad always has!"

Zane flinched, but before he could respond, Vincent stepped forward, adjusting his cufflinks as if utterly unfazed. "Funny," he said coolly. "You speak as if you weren't planning to betray your own brother the moment it suited you."

Nathan's mouth snapped shut.

Vincent smirked. "Enjoy the fall, Harrington."

Nathan let out a furious growl, but before he could lunge, security grabbed him.

Zane watched, feeling… nothing. No satisfaction. No relief. Just a numb, hollow ache.

As Nathan was dragged out, Richard turned to Zane, his expression unreadable. "It seems I'll be needing a new successor."

Zane stiffened. He knew what this was. A test. An opportunity.

The offer he'd always wanted.

But why did it feel like a chain tightening around his throat?

Vincent's voice cut through his thoughts. "Zane already has a company to run."

Richard turned his sharp gaze to Vincent. "Stay out of family business, Graves."

Vincent's smirk was razor-sharp. "Oh, I intend to." He placed a firm hand on Zane's shoulder. "But Zane? He's finally free to choose what he wants."

Zane's breath hitched.

His father never asked what he wanted.

But Vincent did.

And for the first time in his life… Zane had the power to decide.

End of Chapter 10.

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