Chapter 18
In the top–floor boardroom of Hayes Corporation, gray skies loomed beyond the floor–to–ceiling windows.
Numbers flashing on the projector screen cut like knives, slowly carving up a century old business empire.
“Another limit down.” The CFO’s voice trembled. “The bank just called–they’re terminating our partnership and demanding immediate loan repayment.”
The board members‘ eyes all turned toward Declan, their once–fawning gazes now filled with nothing but rage and contempt.[]
“Mr. Hayes!” Director Watson slammed his hand on the table. “You need to answer for all that dirt Mia Castellano leaked!“]
Declan’s knuckles pressed against the conference table, veins bulging.[]
Three days ago, he’d let Mia walk because of her threats. But the moment that woman realized he wouldn’t bankroll her anymore, she’d gone into hiding and dumped every piece of damaging information she had.[]
“Any word on where she is?” His voice was hoarse beyond recognition.[]
His assistant kept his head down: “Last surveillance showed her heading to the airport, but her flight records were wiped. Swiss bank confirmed she transferred the last two hundred million in liquid assets.“]]
The boardroom fell dead silent.[]
Declan suddenly grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the door.
“Mr. Hayes! Where are you going? The board meeting isn’t-“]
“Meeting’s over.”
The elevator shot straight down to the parking garage.]
Declan slid into the driver’s seat, his phone screen lighting up with Susan’s studio address.
When Callie pushed through the studio’s glass doors, she looked up to see a figure standing at the reception desk and paused slightly.[]
Declan’s suit was wrinkled beyond belief, dark stubble shadowing his jaw.]
The moment he saw her, something desperate and hopeful flickered in his eyes.
“Callie.”
The familiar address made Callie raise an eyebrow.]]
She handed her umbrella to an assistant, her tone even: “Something I can help you with, Mr. Hayes?”
Declan’s Adam’s apple bobbed: “Can we talk privately?“[]
“Right here’s fine.” Callie gestured for her assistant to leave but didn’t invite him into the inner office. “I have a meeting in five minutes.”
Rainwater dripped from Declan’s hair, leaving dark spots on the carpet.[]
Never before had he so clearly realized that the woman who used to leave a light on for him wouldn’t even offer him a cup of tea now.
“You’ve probably heard about Hayes Corp’s situation.” His voice was dry as he lowered his proud head for the first time. “You were right–I shouldn’t have enabled that woman. Now I need the Hartwell family’s resources.“]
Callie let out a soft “hah,” looking up from her stack of files: “So Mr. Hayes is here for a loan?“]
“Not just money.” Declan stepped forward. “The Hartwells have connections in politics and business. Right now you’re the only one who’d be willing to help me…”
…“0
“I’d be willing to help you?” Callie closed her folder, her eyes cold as ice. “Did Mr. Hayes forget we’re divorced?“]
The words hit Declan like a slap across the face.]
He grabbed her wrist: “I treated you well enough when you were with the Hayes family! Help me this once–name your terms!“]]
Callie’s gaze dropped to his hand, and she suddenly smiled: “Mr. Hayes knows about terms now? Too bad I’m not interested in saving Hayes Corp.”
“Callie!” Declan’s voice shook as he softened his tone. “I’m begging you, okay…“[]
This man who never said “please” now stood before her with red–rimmed eyes.
For a moment Callie felt disoriented, remembering all those late nights when she’d waited just as desperately for him to come home.[]
“Begging me?” She laughed softly. “You know, I begged you plenty of times back then. But here’s the thing, dear Mr. Hayes–begging doesn’t guarantee
“0 you’ll get what you want. It didn’t work for me then, and it won’t work for you now.”
Each word stabbed into Declan’s heart. He wanted to argue but found every accusation true.]
“Declan Hayes.” Callie picked up her briefcase. “I’m sorry about your situation, but it’s not my responsibility.“[]
She walked toward the door, back straight: “Like you always used to say–just a business marriage. Don’t take it too seriously.“[]
As the glass door swung shut, Declan stood frozen in place.[]
The studio assistant hurried in: “Miss Hartwell, your Milan Fashion Week tickets are booked–tomorrow morning’s ten o’clock flight.“[
“Thanks.” Callie’s voice faded as she walked away. “Oh, and don’t let unauthorized people in anymore.“]]
Outside, the rain poured harder.]]
Declan’s phone suddenly buzzed with a financial news alert:[]
[Hayes Corporation stock plummets 60%, founder Declan Hayes‘ net worth crashes, company nears bankruptcy.][]
He looked up toward where Callie had disappeared, and a phrase suddenly filled his mind.[]
Lost everything.
