Chapter 4 - The Greedy BrotherOver the next three weeks, Victoria’s routine shifted dramatically. The woman who used to work eighty hours a week suddenly found time to stop by Proof Bakery every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
She met six-year-old Sophie, a bright girl with messy curls who instantly took a liking to Victoria, chatterbox-style, showing off her stuffed rabbit named Gerald. Victoria found herself laughing more in three weeks than she had in three years.
However, storm clouds were gathering.
Daniel Parker finally realized that the woman his brother was seeing was the Victoria Sinclair—the multi-billionaire CEO of Sinclair Capital.
Driven by greed and desperate to save his failing commercial real estate firm, Daniel showed up at Proof Bakery unannounced one afternoon while Victoria was there sharing coffee with Ethan.
"Victoria! What a coincidence," Daniel said smoothly, wearing a slick suit that looked too loud for the warm bakery. "I'm so glad Ethan stepped in for me that night. You know, our family real estate development firm is expanding, and I’d love twenty minutes of your time to present a prime equity portfolio."
Ethan’s smile vanished. He looked at his brother, then at Victoria, real distress in his eyes. He realized Daniel was trying to use him to get to Victoria's money.
"Daniel, not here," Ethan said tightly.
"What? We're family, Ethan! Miss Sinclair is a venture capitalist. It’s business," Daniel pushed, stepping into Victoria’s personal space with a rehearsed deck of papers.
Victoria stood up slowly, her body language turning into pure ice. The gentle woman who laughed over pastries disappeared, replaced by the formidable CEO who ruled Wall Street.
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"Mr. Parker," Victoria said, her voice dropping an octave into pure authority. "I do not mix my personal life with business. And frankly, if your financial deck is as clumsy as your manners, my analysts would tear it to shreds in five seconds. Leave."
Daniel flushed bright red with embarrassment and anger, glaring at Ethan before turning on his heel and storming out.
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