Ray Maddox — POV
The valet takes my keys.
And I walk into the Valen estate like I own it.
But I don't.
Not yet.
Sky's father sits at the far end of the dark wood conference table, hands folded, watch gleaming. He doesn't offer a drink. Doesn't say sit. Just looks at me like I'm a problem waiting to be solved.
And I guess I am.
"Mr. Maddox," he says finally, voice smooth like black ice. "You've been busy."
I don't answer. I just take the seat across from him and meet his gaze.
No fear. No bluffing.
"She doesn't listen to me anymore," he continues, leaning back. "Doesn't answer her phone. Walks around like she's not my daughter, like she's—"
"Free?" I offer.
His jaw tenses. "No, Mr. Maddox. Like she's yours."
I don't say anything to that.
Because maybe she is.
He sighs and steeples his fingers. "Let's not waste each other's time. I know what's going on between you and Sky. I don't approve. I don't like it. But I'm a businessman."
Of course he is.
"So let's talk business," he says. "Your father wants the Maddox-Valen merger. He's desperate enough to send you into my daughter's dorm room, apparently."
My fists curl under the table.
"Here's what I'll say," he continues, tone icy calm. "If your father signs the deal—if the papers are inked and your family's fortune backs mine—I won't interfere."
I narrow my eyes. "So you'll stop having her followed? Stop threatening her?"
"I didn't say I'd like it." His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "But I'd tolerate it. Quietly."
I stare at him. "And if my father says no?"
He stands. "Then you and my daughter never happened. And if you don't walk away, I'll make sure she pays the price. Not you."
I rise too.
"I don't scare easy, Mr. Valen."
"I'm not trying to scare you," he replies quietly. "I'm just reminding you who breaks when things fall apart."
I leave without another word.
But as I walk out, my phone buzzes.
Sky:
Did he say something?
Are you okay?
I stare at the screen.
Then I text back:
It's nothing baby, don't worry.
---
My father Sebastian Maddox is in the study. Whiskey in hand. Loosely knotted tie. Like always.
My father doesn't look up when I enter. Just swirls his glass and mutters,
"So, how did it go with Valen?"
I throw the file onto his desk. The proposed merger contract. Untouched.
"He said yes—on one condition."
Finally, he glances up. "Let me guess. You stay away from his daughter."
I grit my teeth. "No. The opposite. If you agree to the deal, he doesn't care what happens between me and Sky."
A pause.
Then: "Smart man."
I blink. "That's it? You're not going to ask me what I want?"
He downs the rest of his drink. "You're not that complicated, Ray. You get what you want, I get what I want. Everybody wins."
I hate him in that moment.
Not because of the merger. Not even because he doesn't care about Sky or the way Valen threatened her.
But because he sees me as a tool.
Because when he hears that the girl I've been with is terrified of being found out, being punished—he doesn't flinch. Doesn't blink.
Just smiles like he's already counting the profits.
"You don't care about her," I say quietly.
He chuckles. "You do, though. That's new."
I step forward, fists clenched. "She's being followed. Watched. Her father is trying to control every breath she takes."
"And she's still seeing you," he says, not unkindly. "That's power, son. Don't waste it."
I slam the desk.
He doesn't even flinch.
"I love her," I say.
My voice is calm. Cold. I make it real by saying it out loud. And I see something flicker behind his eyes.
Not respect.
Not pride.
But fear.
Good.
Because I'll burn this entire empire down before I let her be a pawn in their game.
He shakes his head and sighs. "So what's the plan now, Romeo?"
I turn toward the door.
"She's not a plan. She's mine."
And I walk out.
Phone in hand.
Ray:
Tell me where you are. I'm coming.