CHAPTER 10: TERMS OF POWER
Morning arrived with rain.
The city looked washed in gray as Ivy stood by the window, arms wrapped loosely around herself. Something about storms always sharpened her thoughts. Maybe because everything felt quieter. Honest.
Behind her, Killian buttoned his cufflinks.
"The investigators begin today," he said. "You'll receive progress reports."
Ivy turned. "I don't want summaries. I want details."
His gaze flicked toward her. "Details include things you may not like."
"I stopped expecting comfort a long time ago."
A pause passed between them before he nodded once. Agreement.
They left together shortly after.
Instead of dropping her at home, Killian brought her to Blackwood Enterprises. The building rose like polished steel against the storm clouds, intimidating and immaculate.
Inside, employees moved with practiced efficiency.
Ivy walked beside him, aware of the glances they received. Curious. Assessing. Some respectful, others calculating.
"You brought me here for a reason," she said quietly.
"Yes."
His office overlooked half the city. He handed her a tablet displaying organizational charts and departmental reports.
"If you're involving yourself in this world," he said, "you should understand it."
She scanned the data. "You're giving me access."
"I am giving you knowledge."
Her brow lifted slightly. "That's new."
Killian met her gaze evenly. "You are not a decorative object, Ivy. Ignorance would be inefficient."
She smirked faintly. "Romantic as always."
He almost looked amused.
They spent hours reviewing structures, financial flow, and internal politics. Ivy asked questions that forced him to clarify assumptions. She noticed inconsistencies, gaps that hinted at maneuvering behind polished presentations.
By the time they finished, she leaned back.
"This company isn't just business. It's chess."
"Yes."
"And everyone thinks they're the strategist."
Killian allowed himself the smallest hint of approval. "You are learning."
Before she could respond, his assistant entered.
"Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Vane is here."
The room chilled instantly.
Killian's expression sharpened. "Send him in."
Julian entered with casual confidence, raincoat draped over one arm.
"Well," he said smoothly. "Power couple at work. How modern."
Ivy held his gaze without flinching.
Killian remained composed. "State your purpose."
Julian placed documents on the desk. "Board review materials. Transparency keeps everyone comfortable."
Killian flipped through them.
Julian's attention shifted to Ivy. "I hear you've been asking about old records."
She didn't bother denying it. "Curiosity is healthy."
His smile sharpened. "Curiosity can also be dangerous."
Killian closed the folder. "We're done here."
Julian inclined his head and left, confidence trailing behind him like smoke.
Once the door shut, Ivy exhaled slowly.
"He knows."
"He suspects."
She looked toward Killian. "Does that change anything?"
"It accelerates timelines."
Her pulse quickened. "Meaning?"
"We move faster."
—
That evening, investigators delivered preliminary findings.
Killian reviewed them with Ivy present.
Partial license plate reconstruction. Vehicle model estimates. Cross referencing regional ownership.
A list of potential matches appeared.
Ivy leaned closer, heart pounding.
"This is real progress."
"Yes."
She stared at the names scrolling past. "One of them might know what happened."
Killian watched her carefully. "Truth often arrives with consequences."
"I'm ready."
He didn't argue.
—
Later, tension eased into something quieter.
Ivy wandered onto the balcony again, rain now reduced to a mist.
Killian joined her after a moment.
"You didn't have to include me today," she said.
"You insisted on involvement."
"That's not the same."
He considered her words. "You demonstrated capability."
She laughed softly. "Was that praise?"
"Recognition."
She glanced at him. "You're changing."
"No."
"Maybe just revealing."
A rare silence followed, not strained this time.
Ivy rested her arms on the railing. "When this arrangement ends… what happens?"
Killian didn't answer immediately.
"When the contractual terms are fulfilled," he said finally, "we reassess."
She nodded slowly, though something in her chest tightened.
—
Across the city, Genevieve sat across from Julian once more.
"They're moving quicker," he reported.
Genevieve swirled her drink. "Of course they are."
Julian leaned back. "Shall we intervene?"
Her smile curved, calculating. "Not yet."
Julian raised a brow.
"Let them get close to the truth," she continued softly. "Hope makes the fall far more devastating."
—
Back at the penthouse, Ivy lay awake long after midnight.
Progress meant answers were coming.
Answers meant confronting reality.
And somewhere deep inside, she sensed the coming storm would reshape everything she thought she knew.