42 Chapter 42 – Masterful Manipulation
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Chapter 42 Masterful Manipulation
Adrian’s POV
I settled back against the headboard and struck a match, watching the flame dance before lighting my cigarette. The smoke curled upward as I turned to study the woman sprawled naked
beside me on the silk sheets.
“Outstanding performance today, sweetheart. Truly exceptional work.” I reached for my phone to arrange the usual payment. “I’ll have the funds transferred within the hour. Treat yourself to something sparkly.” A low chuckle escaped my lips as I considered her unsuspecting husband. “Does that naive fool of yours ever wonder how you afford such expensive tastes on his pathetic salary?”
My mistress stretched languidly, her body catching the afternoon light filtering through the penthouse windows. We had been conducting this arrangement for years now, and she had proven invaluable in ways her husband could never imagine. She possessed a talent for deception that I found both useful and arousing.
She laughed, a throaty sound that filled the room, and plucked the cigarette from between my fingers. After taking a long drag, she exhaled slowly.
“My darling husband is completely oblivious. He actually believes everything I wear is costume jewelry and designer knockoffs. Her eyes gleamed with malicious amusement. “He’s every bit as clueless as Sterling, completely blind to what’s happening in his own house. Though I must admit, I’m baffled how such an imbecile built an empire like Sterling Collective. His father was equally gullible, trusting everyone who crossed his path.” She paused, considering her words. carefully. “Of course, he nearly exposed you before the helicopter incident.”
“Yes, Clairemont’s little accident was remarkably well–timed, wasn’t it?” I couldn’t suppress my satisfaction. “Though that brat Liam surviving threw a wrench in my plans. He was supposed to be on that helicopter with his father. But even with him breathing, I had everything mapped out to seize control of the company. My dear daughter would have that simpleton wrapped around her finger within months, finally ring. Then that insufferable
getting her precious weddin Damian had to start poisoning Liam’s mind against me.” My jaw tightened with frustration. “The fool actually appointed that snake as vice president.”
“The delay was unfortunate, but the outcome remains the same. She traced patterns on my chest with her fingertip. “How exactly does your daughter plan to win him over? He can barely tolerate being in the same room with her
“Friday night, at Evelyn’s farewell gathering. You’ll ensure Damian is otherwise occupied while my daughter handles the rest. My tone left no room for negotiation.
“Consider it done. I should leave before my devoted husband starts wondering where I’ve been.”
42 Chapter 42 – Masterful Manipulation
She rose gracefully, already reaching for her clothes. “Just remember, they cannot suspect my involvement in any of this.”
“Trust me, darling. You’ll appear completely innocent when this all unfolds.”
After she dressed and departed, I remained in bed, savoring my whiskey and cigarette. She was manipulative and mercenary, but those qualities made her perfect for my purposes. When I first seduced her into this arrangement, I recognized her potential immediately. Despite her grating personality and obvious gold–digging tendencies, she delivered results that made tolerating her worth the effort. Unlike my insufferable wife, whom I maintained purely for public appearances.
This penthouse had served as our private sanctuary for a decade, carefully chosen for its discretion and distance from Sterling Collective headquarters. During our twice–weekly encounters, she had provided intelligence that proved invaluable to my plans. A few thousand. dollars transferred to her account, and she would reveal every detail I needed to know.
Just last week, she informed me about Liam’s closed–door executive meeting. I had anticipated swift action from him, but so far, he had only implemented security measures on company communications. I immediately instructed her to plant that incriminating email on Hazel’s computer. The little mouse had been interfering with my daughter’s romantic pursuits, and I needed her eliminated from the equation. Anyone could see Liam’s growing interest in that insignificant woman.
Watching him dismiss Hazel in a rage, convinced she had betrayed him, provided tremendous entertainment. This morning, when word spread through the office about Liam and his assistant’s public display of affection, I recognized the perfect opportunity for a finishing blow. My mistress’s call confirming their intimate moment allowed me to execute the next phase flawlessly.
That emotional fool had banished his secretary like a common criminal and vanished from the office, leaving his loyal inner circle in complete disarray. Their panic had been so pronounced that they inadvertently revealed crucial information I could exploit.
I had already set everything in motion. My accountant had skillfully forged replacement documents and financial records, substituting them for the originals in Liam’s office safe. When they eventually retrieved them, they would find nothing suspicious. The genuine documents remained safely hidden where no one would think to look.
My strategy was proceeding flawlessly, thanks largely to the steady stream of intelligence my mistress provided. Sterling Collective would soon belong to me entirely. I would systematically destroy Liam’s confidence and force him to sell his inheritance for a fraction of its value. The irony was delicious I would purchase his empire using funds I had been systematically stealing from him for years.
My daughter would secure her marriage to him and maintain control over his actions. Even as my employee, the Sterling name would continue opening doors that benefited my interests. Keeping him on a short leash would be essential.
42 Chapter 42- Masterful Manipulation
I stubbed out my cigarette and poured another measure of whiskey, relishing the burn as it slid down my
throat. Soon I would have to return home and endure another evening of my wife’s tedious company, pretending to be the devoted family man everyone believed me to be.
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