DEALS AND DECEPTION

Chapter 13: Deals and Deceptions

Arthur Lancaster's proposal lingered in the air long after the meeting ended.

Zane and Vincent left the lounge in silence, the weight of the offer pressing on them in different ways. Vincent was thinking strategy—what Arthur stood to gain, what risks were hidden beneath his polished words. Zane, however, was thinking about something else entirely.

Nathan.

His own brother had betrayed him, and the truth had only come to light because of Vincent. The irony wasn't lost on him. His so-called enemy had his back while his own flesh and blood had been plotting against him.

The ride back to Zane's penthouse was tense. The city lights flashed past, their reflections painting shifting patterns over Vincent's sharp features. He was deep in thought, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm against the car's leather seat.

"You don't trust Arthur," Zane finally said, breaking the silence.

Vincent didn't even look at him. "Do you?"

Zane sighed, tilting his head back against the seat. "No. But that doesn't mean we can't use him."

Vincent's gaze flickered to him, assessing. "So you want to take the deal?"

Zane smirked, though there was no real amusement in it. "I want to see how far we can push him before he shows his real intentions."

Vincent hummed, considering. "Dangerous game."

"Life's more fun when it's dangerous."

Vincent shook his head slightly but didn't argue.

The Next Morning – Harrington Luxe Headquarters

Zane walked into his office expecting the usual—an inbox flooded with messages, a long day of meetings, and maybe some passive-aggressive notes from his father reminding him that Nathan had been the family's "true heir."

What he didn't expect was Nathan himself, sitting casually in his chair as if nothing had happened.

Zane's jaw clenched, but he forced a smirk. "You've got some nerve."

Nathan, ever the perfect picture of polished arrogance, simply smiled. "Come on, little brother. Don't tell me you're actually mad."

Zane shut the door behind him, striding toward his desk. "You betrayed me."

Nathan shrugged. "That's business."

Zane's fingers curled into fists at his sides, but he refused to let his emotions take control. That's what Nathan wanted.

Nathan sighed dramatically. "Look, I know you're upset, but I came here to offer a solution. A way to fix this."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I needed fixing."

Nathan leaned forward, his smirk sharpening. "Father wants me to handle the Lancaster deal. He thinks I'm better suited for it."

A slow, humorless laugh left Zane's lips. "Let me guess. You want me to step aside?"

Nathan spread his hands. "It's what's best for the company. You're too emotional, Zane. You act on impulse. A deal like this requires someone who can keep a level head."

Zane leaned down, planting his hands on the desk so he was face-to-face with his brother. "You mean someone Father can control."

Nathan's smirk faltered, but only slightly. "Think about it, Zane. You and Vincent Graves? You're playing with fire. You don't even realize how dangerous he is."

Zane's jaw tightened. "And yet, he's the one who exposed you. So tell me, Nathan—who's the real threat here?"

Nathan's expression darkened for the first time, but before he could speak, the door opened.

Vincent.

He walked in like he owned the place, his cold gaze flicking to Nathan before settling on Zane. "Am I interrupting?"

Nathan scoffed, standing. "Not at all. I was just reminding my little brother that he's out of his depth."

Vincent smirked slightly, but there was nothing warm about it. "Interesting, considering you're the one who got caught."

Nathan's jaw clenched, but he didn't respond. Instead, he straightened his suit and turned to Zane. "Think about what I said."

Zane didn't respond. He simply watched as Nathan strode out, the tension lingering even after the door shut behind him.

Vincent moved to stand beside Zane, glancing after Nathan. "He's a liability."

Zane let out a slow breath, his hands gripping the edge of the desk. "Tell me something I don't know."

Vincent studied him for a moment before speaking. "If you're serious about taking on Arthur Lancaster, you need to decide how much you're willing to risk. Because I guarantee you, your family won't just sit back and let you win."

Zane let out a short, bitter laugh. "They never have."

Vincent's gaze lingered on him for a second too long, as if seeing something deeper. Something unspoken.

Then, his phone buzzed.

He checked the message, his expression unreadable. "Arthur's ready for an answer."

Zane smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Then let's give him one."

End of Chapter 13.

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