Chapter 12 - THE ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT|
Vincent Vale returned to Chicago three days later.
He did not arrive in secret.
Instead, he appeared at a press conference announcing a major philanthropic initiative, standing beneath a banner bearing his family's name.
He looked older than Adrian remembered, with silver hair, a measured smile, and the calm expression of a man who believed every problem could be solved by controlling the room.
The news shocked the city.
Adrian's father, supposedly dead, had returned.
The family released a statement claiming that Vincent had survived a medical crisis and spent years recovering overseas. Reporters immediately questioned why the family had concealed his survival.
Vincent offered no detailed explanation.
He simply announced that he intended to reclaim his position within the family business.
That evening, he requested a private meeting with Adrian.
Adrian went alone, despite Sera's objections.
The meeting took place in a restaurant closed to the public. Vincent sat beside the window, drinking mineral water.
“You've grown into a capable man,” he said.
Adrian remained standing.
“You faked your death.”
“I protected my interests.”
“You let me bury you.”
“You were grieving. It made you easier to manage.”
Adrian's hands tightened.
“Did you kill my mother?”
Vincent's expression didn't change.
“Your mother made dangerous choices.”
“That's not an answer.”
“It is the only answer you're getting tonight.”
Vincent placed a folder on the table.
Inside was a proposed agreement transferring control of several family assets to a new company.
“You sign this, and I will leave your business alone. You refuse, and every regulator, journalist, and prosecutor in Chicago will receive information about your father's old associates.”
“My father?”
Vincent smiled.
“Did you think your mother told you everything?”
Adrian closed the folder.
“I won't sign.”
“Then you'll lose everything.”
Vincent leaned forward.
“And the girl will lose her father a second time.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“If you threaten Sera again, you will regret it.”
Vincent laughed softly.
“Ah. The writer.”
He stood.
“Bring her to the family gala next week. I want to meet my granddaughter.”
Adrian said nothing.
Vincent adjusted his cufflinks.
“Oh, and one more thing. The press will be told that you're engaged to Vivian Cross.”
Adrian stared at him.
“I'm not.”
“You will be. Her family controls several institutions we need.”
“I don't need them.”
“Your business does.”
Vincent walked toward the exit.
“Choose your battles carefully, Adrian. The woman you love may be brave, but bravery doesn't protect people from consequences.”
When Adrian returned to the secure residence, Sera immediately recognized the anger in his face.
“What happened?”
He told her everything except Vincent's final threat.
Sera listened in silence.
Then she asked, “Are you going to announce an engagement to Vivian?”
“No.”
“Are you going to let him decide who you marry?”
“Absolutely not.”
She searched his face.
“Then we need a plan.”
Adrian reached for her hand.
“We do.”
But neither realized that Vivian had already contacted a reporter with photographs of Sera leaving Adrian's private residence.
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By morning, Chicago's tabloids would have a new headline.
MYSTERY WOMAN THREATENS VALE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT.
