Chapter 315
“Why do you ask?” Victor studiel Wright sideways, instantly seeing the matchmaking attempt despite the alcohol buzzing through his system.
Wright leaned closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Samantha’s my only daughter. Been thinking about her future… and ours.”
The suggestion hung between them–a Wright–Haven alliance through marriage. Victor’s initial disgust faded as calculation took over. Wright Pharmaceuticals controlled exactly the medical patents be needed to fill those overseas investment gaps Adam had so publicly exposed.
“Your Samantha’s quite the catch,” Victor replied, voice warming with fake enthusiasm. “Beautiful, accomplished. Between us? Walter’s always had a thing for her.”
Wright’s eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise cracking his polished facade. “Really? Had no idea.”
“He’s quiet about it.” Another fie–Walter was about as subtle as a firework display. “Maybe we should set something up. Nothing formal, just dinner.”
“Brilliant idea.” Wright could barely contain his excitement. A Haven marriage–even to the lesser cousin–would be a Wright family
coup.
Victor leaned forward, completely transformed from the angry exec of an hour ago. “Your daughter’s exactly what Walter needs. Though maybe too good for my undeserving son. He laughed, the self–deprecation calculated to flatter.
Wright waved him off, practically glowing. “Nonsense! Haven blood makes him exceptional by default.”
As they prepared to leave, Wright paused, expression carefully blank. “Strange thing, though…”
“What’s that?” Victor took the bait.
“Adam’s… interest in that Sterling woman. Unusual for someone in his position.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t know much about her. Adam keeps that stuff locked down.”
“Understandable, given her situation.” Wright’s tone suggested scandal. “Three children, complicated history in Silver City… Not exactly Haven material.”
Victor’s pulse quickened. Unexpected ammunition. “Three kids? News to me.
“Oh yes. And some scandal years back, though details escape me.” Wright stood, straightening his jacket. “Probably nothing, but… as his uncle, might be worth looking into? Adam rejecting Samantha for someone with such… baggage… seems unlike the Haven
standard.”
With a final handshake, Wright vanished, leaving Victor alone with his thoughts and nearly empty glass.
“Three children…” Victor murmured, a slow smile spreading. “How very interesting.”
Victor’s satisfied smirk faded into the background as the evening’s chill settled over Silver City. Across town, another storm was brewing–one that would leave far more destruction in its wake.
The vase exploded against the wall, water and flowers spraying across the Wright mansion’s living room.
“Have you lost your mind?” Samantha paced like a caged animal, heels digging into the carpet. “Walter Haven? Seriously? That party
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boy who couldnt run a lemonade stand?”
Her father watched her meltdown without inching, waiting for the form to pass,
Done yet?” he asked when she paused for breath.
“Not even close!” She whirled on him, finger stabbing the air. I’ve spent years on Adam. YEARS! Now you’re throwing me at his idiot cousin like I’m some consolation prize?
Wright’s patience snapped. “Adam, Adam, Adam! That’s all I’ve heard since you were sixteen! Wake up! He doesn’t grant you?
“He just needs-
“He needs nothing from you!” Her father’s voice boomed through the room. “He’s made that crystal clear. Meanwhile, you’ve been sn Adam–crazy you’ve missed the bigger game.”
Samantha crossed hearms, chin jutting out. “What game?”
“Haven Enterprise is splitting at the seams. Victor hates that his nephew has what he thinks should be his. With our backing, he could challenge Adam’s control.”
“And Walter fits into this how?”
“Marriage creates bonds. Bonds create leverage.” Wright stepped closer, voice dropping. “Think, Sam! Marry Walter, cement ties with Victor, and when he moves against Adam, we’re perfectly positioned. If Adam falls…”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “If Adam falls, we all rise.”
“Exactly.” Wright nodded, pleased she was catching on, “Besides, you really think Adam would touch you after what you pulled with his precious Irene?”
The color drained from her face. “What are you talking about?”
“Tommy Jackson,” her father said flatly. “Think I wouldn’t find out? Sending a security thug to terrorize the woman Adam’s clearly
into?”
“How did you—”
“I make it my business to know everything that could sink this family,” Wright cut her off, eyes cold. “Any idea what Adam would do if he found out? He’d destroy us! Everything we’ve built–gone overnight!”
Samantha dropped into a chair, legs suddenly useless. “I just wanted her gone, she whispered.
“Your little revenge fantasy has put everything at risk. Only saving grace is Jackson hasn’t been caught yet.” Wright straightened, regaining composure. “You’re marrying Walter. Consider it both punishment and protection. When Adam discovers what you did- and he will–you’ll need Victor’s shield to survive.”
He turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. “And Sam? No more stupid stunts. Try anything else that threatens our Haven connection, and I’ll handle it myself–my way.”
The door closed with a quiet click that somehow felt more final than a slam.
Samantha sat frozen in the silent room, her father’s footsteps fading down the hallway. The carefully built fantasy of becoming Mrs. Adam Haven–of standing beside him at galas, of being envied by Silver City’s elite–crumbled around her like the shards of the vase she’d thrown.
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She’d spent years plotting, maneuvering, making herself into exactly the kind of woman a Haven should want. All of it, years of effort destroyed because she couldn’t stand seeing Adam with Irene
Her phone buzzed on the table. A message from Tommy Jackson: Need to move faster. Haven’s mien closing in.
Her hands trembled as reality crashed down on her. Her obsession with Adam hadn’t just cost her a fantasy future–it had placed her in real danger. If Tommy were caught, if Adam traced things back to her…
For the first time, Samantha felt genuine fear. Not the social anxiety of being snubbed at a gala, but bone–deep terror. Adam Haven wasn’t just powerful–he was ruthless when crossed.
She picked up her phone and typed back: “Lie low. One evidence of our communication ALL of it.”
day.” Then, after a moment’s hesitation, she added: “And delete all
As she hit send, Samantha realized her father was right about one thing: Walter Haven, as disappointing as he might be, was now her only protection against Adam’s wrath.
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