Chapter 31: Did I get him wrong?
Nathaniel shot to his feet, the accusation hitting him like a knife to the chest.
She had no idea what he was trying to do, what his real intentions were. Yes, he had made the demand, but not to take anything from her. He had wanted to wrest the company away from that incompetent fool, Isaac, before it crumbled completely.
He was going to save it, for her, for Nora, and hand it back to her entirely. But hearing her accusation, seeing the betrayal in her eyes, it stung more than he had expected.
Zara didn’t stop. "My mother poured everything into that business. She built it from scratch. It was her sweat and blood, her sacrifices, that got it listed. And after her, Nora stepped up. She turned it into a powerhouse. The company thrived under her leadership."
Her chin lifted, defiance burning in her gaze. "This business is their legacy. Their dream. And I won’t let you steal it from my family."
The last shred of warmth in Nathaniel’s expression vanished. When he spoke again, his voice was sharp, void of emotion. "Don’t speak like you know everything. Your father is useless. He can’t keep the business afloat. If I hadn’t stepped in, it would have already gone under. I’m trying to save it, not steal it."
His eyes went cold, like a door slamming shut. "You think you care more about that company than I do? I understand better than you what this company meant to Nora. Don’t dare accuse me."
He raised a finger at her. "Like it or not, I am taking over the company. And I’d love to see who thinks they can stop me."
He turned to leave. But he paused at the doorway, casting a hard look back over his shoulder.
"Don’t wander around," he said coldly. "Stay put."
And with that, he walked out.