The elevator ride to the 42nd floor was suffocating.
Hazel's stomach twisted with every floor they passed, the sleek mirrored walls reflecting her anxious expression. Michael stood beside her, calm, composed — the perfect predator in an expensive suit. But she saw the storm in his eyes.
They hadn't spoken much since leaving the apartment. There wasn't much left to say. It was war now.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open to reveal Victor Kane's office — a sleek, intimidating space of glass, steel, and cold luxury. Hazel's skin prickled the moment she stepped inside. The man radiated danger, not in the overt, snarling way Aiden's mistakes had, but like a sharp knife hidden beneath silk.
"Michael Graze," Kane greeted, rising from behind his desk with a smile too smooth to be genuine. "And the lovely Mrs. Graze. What a surprise."
Hazel forced herself not to flinch under his gaze. His eyes lingered on her just a little too long, the kind of look that made her want to take a shower.
Michael stepped in front of her, his voice a blade. "Cut the theatrics, Kane. You wanted a meeting. Here we are."
Kane chuckled, gesturing to the chairs. "No need to be so hostile, Graze. Business is business."
Michael didn't move. "This isn't business. It's treason."
Hazel's pulse thundered in her ears.
Victor sighed, leaning back in his chair like a man with nothing to lose. "I warned you months ago, Michael. Your company's growing too fast. Making too many enemies. I offered you a way out."
"By sabotaging my projects and blackmailing my brother-in-law?" Michael's voice was ice. "You really think I wouldn't find out?"
Kane shrugged. "Desperate men make desperate choices. Your wife's brother was an easy mark."
Hazel stiffened. Michael placed a calming hand on her waist, a silent reassurance.
"But here's the thing," Kane continued, a cruel smile curling his lips. "The damage is done. Nexus is out. The market will respond. Your investors will panic. And Graze Industries will bleed."
Michael's expression didn't change. "You overplayed your hand."
Kane's smile faltered. "What?"
Michael slid a sleek black folder across the desk. "A list of every transaction, every illegal backchannel, and every name tied to you. Including your silent partners in the council. Copies have already been sent to my legal team, the SEC, and the board of directors at Strathmore Holdings — who I believe are about to drop you like dead weight."
Kane's face darkened.
Hazel watched, heart pounding, as the predator became prey.
"You son of a—"
"Careful," Michael warned, voice dangerously soft. "Or I'll release the press statement before you even leave this office."
Victor's jaw clenched. "What do you want?"
Michael leaned forward, his presence filling the room. "Your resignation from every holding you control, your public admission of corporate misconduct, and your exile from this city's business sector. Today."
Hazel felt a surge of fierce pride.
Kane looked at Hazel, then back at Michael. "She won't forgive you for this."
Michael's lips quirked in a humorless smirk. "She's not the one who needs forgiving."
Kane's mask finally cracked. But he knew he'd lost.
"I'll sign the papers," Kane spat.
Michael straightened. "Good. Be out of my city by nightfall."
And with that, he turned, guiding Hazel out of the office with a firm hand at the small of her back.
They didn't speak until the elevator doors closed behind them.
Then Hazel let out a shaky laugh. "Holy hell. That was… sexy."
Michael raised a brow, his lips twitching. "I'm glad corporate warfare does it for you."
Hazel grinned, adrenaline and relief crashing over her. "Let's go home, Mr. Graze."
And for the first time in what felt like forever, they were both smiling...