Chapter 14 - Rebuilding an Empire
Six months later, the Steves Syndicate was unrecognizable.
Under Penelope’s brilliant restructuring, the organization had transitioned eighty percent of its operations into fully legitimate international logistics, clean energy investments, and private equity funds. The violence had stopped being a daily tool; instead, impenetrable financial dominance became their ultimate weapon.
Penelope Woods was no longer listed as an administrator. Her name sat on the brass door of the corner suite on the 42nd floor: Chief Executive Operations Director.
The staff who had once looked right through her now bowed their heads with deep respect whenever she walked through the marble lobby. Nobody whistled. Nobody smirked.
On a warm autumn evening, Larkin walked into her office. He had discarded his dark, predatory demeanor for a tailored suit that made him look like the legitimate titan of industry he had become.
"The board approved the final divestment from the docks," Penelope said, closing her leather-bound planner with a satisfied smile. "We are officially clean, Mr. Steves."
Larkin walked behind her desk, resting his hands gently on her shoulders, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I told you to stop calling me Mr. Steves six months ago, Penelope."
"Habit," she smiled, turning in her leather chair to face him. "What's on the schedule for tonight?"
"The Solstice Gala," Larkin said softly. "The one-year anniversary."
Penelope arched a dark brow. "Another gala? Are you going to try to play a joke on me again?"
May you like
Larkin smiled—a genuine, radiant smile that completely transformed his handsome face. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box.
"No more jokes," Larkin murmured, dropping to one knee before her chair.
