Chapter 3: The Man He Should Have Feared
By the time Matthew reached the penthouse, security was already waiting.
Not his.
Theirs.
“Sir,” one of them said, blocking his path. “You’re not permitted inside.”
“This is my home.”
“Not anymore.”
The doors opened anyway.
Not for him.
For the man stepping out of the elevator behind him.
Sterling.
Matthew turned slowly.
For the first time in years—
He felt small.
“I was wondering when you’d arrive,” Sterling said calmly.
Matthew forced a smile. “Sir, I think there’s been a misunderstanding—”
Sterling didn’t stop walking.
Didn’t even look at him.
“Remove him.”
Two men stepped forward instantly.
Matthew struggled. “You can’t do this! I built that company!”
Sterling paused.
Finally turned.
“You built nothing,” he said quietly.
“My daughter did.”
The words didn’t echo.
They sank.
Heavy.
Final.
“And you,” Sterling added, voice dropping colder, “made the mistake of believing she was alone.”
Matthew froze.
May you like
Because for the first time—
He understood.
