A DANGEROUS GAMBLE

Chapter 14: A Dangerous Gamble

Arthur Lancaster was not a man who liked to wait.

He had money, power, and a reputation for turning small ventures into empires. But his real talent? Finding weaknesses—and using them to his advantage.

So when Zane and Vincent walked into the private lounge where Arthur was waiting, he already had a knowing smirk on his face.

"You took your time," Arthur said smoothly, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. "I was beginning to think you'd decided against my offer."

Zane chuckled, taking a seat across from him. "We prefer to weigh our options before jumping into bed with anyone."

Vincent remained standing, hands in his pockets, eyes cold and calculating. "Let's not waste time. We know you don't do business unless you're getting the better end of the deal. So tell us—what's the catch?"

Arthur's smirk widened. "Straight to the point. I like that." He set his glass down and leaned forward. "You're right—I never make a deal unless it benefits me. But in this case? You might just benefit more."

Vincent arched an eyebrow. "Doubtful."

Arthur chuckled. "Ah, Vincent. Always so distrustful. But that's why you're successful, isn't it?"

Zane sighed. "Less flattery, more details, Arthur."

Arthur exhaled dramatically. "Fine. Here's the deal—I want Harrington Luxe's influence in the luxury market, and I want Graves Enterprises' global reach. In return, I bring in connections that neither of you have access to. Political ties. Exclusive clientele. International partnerships."

Zane leaned back, feigning boredom. "Sounds like a dream. So what's the nightmare?"

Arthur grinned. "Smart boy."

Vincent narrowed his eyes. "Out with it."

Arthur took his time refilling his glass before speaking. "There's one… complication. Your father."

Zane stiffened.

Arthur's gaze sharpened. "Richard Harrington isn't going to let you take this deal without a fight. He's already been in contact with me."

Zane's fingers twitched against his knee. "Excuse me?"

Vincent's expression darkened. "He approached you?"

Arthur shrugged. "Of course. He wants me to back Nathan instead."

A slow, mocking smile spread across his face.

"But here's the thing—Nathan isn't you, Zane. He's competent, sure, but he doesn't have your… flair. Your unpredictability. That's why I'm still considering my options."

Zane inhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm. His father. Again. Always standing in his way. Always choosing Nathan.

Vincent, however, was watching Arthur like a predator sizing up another predator. "If you were serious about Nathan, you wouldn't have told us this."

Arthur clapped his hands. "Exactly. I like options. And right now, you two are the more entertaining option."

Zane's jaw clenched. "So what are you saying?"

Arthur smirked. "I'm saying, if you really want this deal—if you want to beat Nathan, beat your father—you'll have to prove to me that you're worth the risk."

Vincent crossed his arms. "What do you want?"

Arthur's grin turned sharp. "A little… demonstration. A business move so bold, so impossible to ignore, that it'll force me to choose your side."

Silence.

Zane and Vincent exchanged a look.

Arthur leaned back, satisfied. "Surprise me."

After the Meeting – Vincent's Car

Zane tapped his fingers against his thigh, deep in thought. Vincent, as usual, drove in silence, his mind working a mile a minute.

Finally, Zane spoke. "What's your take?"

Vincent kept his eyes on the road. "Arthur is playing us. He wants a spectacle. He thrives on power plays."

Zane smirked. "Sounds like someone I know."

Vincent ignored him. "If we're going to win this, we need a move that will cripple Nathan—and Richard—in one shot."

Zane exhaled. "Easier said than done. My father has years of influence on his side."

Vincent's voice was cold. "Then we burn it down."

Zane turned to him, intrigued. "Go on."

Vincent's grip tightened on the wheel. "Nathan has always been the perfect son. Your father trusts him blindly. If we expose one fatal mistake—one financial error, one scandal—Richard will drop him like dead weight."

Zane's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "Sabotage?"

Vincent smirked. "Call it… strategic exposure."

Zane chuckled. "I like the way you think, Graves."

Vincent glanced at him, something unreadable in his gaze. "Good. Because we're about to start a war."

End of Chapter 14.

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