novelraw Chapter 100: Setting Up Security
Chapter 100: Setting Up Security
’It’s funny,’ Jake thought, staring at the distant skyline of the financial district. ’Six months ago, those buildings were mountains I had to climb. Now, they look like chess pieces.’
"I was thinking about the next few weeks," Jake said, setting the tablet aside and meeting her eyes. "I want to assign a dedicated security detail to you. Just someone to ensure you’re getting to and from the office safely."
"The news is out, Cath," Jake countered, his voice softening but remaining serious. "You’re the girlfriend of a man who just inherited billions of marks. You aren’t just a normal employee anymore, whether we like it or not."
’She’s too stubborn for her own good,’ he mused, watching her jaw set in that familiar way.
Jake nodded, his mind already spinning toward the logistics of his family’s safety. "I’m planning to move them. There’s a gated community near the northern ridge with top-tier security. My dad will probably fight me on it, but I can’t have them exposed while I’m tearing down Sterling’s infrastructure."
"Morning, billionaire," Marcus’s voice crackled through. "I assume you’ve seen the papers?"
"Good. Then you know the target is painted. There’s a charity auction tonight at the Grand Veyra Hall. It’s the usual high-society circus, but all the shareholders of Aurelia Capitals will be there. We need to have a final strategy meeting before the markets open on Monday. Consider this our formal debut."
Catharine shook her head, a small, tired smile on her face. "I’m still trying to figure out how to talk to my roommates without them asking for a loan, Jake. An expensive event with people wearing my annual salary as jewelry won’t help right now. I’ll stay here and try to decompress."
As he ended the call, the phone buzzed again. It was Aliya.
"I never said in the morning, you are the one who said that," Jake replied calmly. "Plus I still have some business to handle first. I’ll be there once it’s done. Just keep the food warm." He hung up before she could protest further.
"I’m fine, Jake. Go do what you need to do."
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"The iron ore shipment from Chen Mining is officially held in a strategic lock!" one member shouted, slamming a folder down so hard the pens rattled. "Our chemical processing plants in the south are stalled because the logistics permits have been flagged for emergency investigation. We are losing four hundred thousand marks an hour!"
’Idiots,’ Sterling thought, his eyes fixed on the city skyline while his pulse thundered in his ears. ’They’re ready to jump ship the moment a little water hits the deck.’
The board didn’t look convinced. They filed out one by one, leaving Sterling alone with his personal assistant, James. As the door clicked shut, the mask of composure shattered. Sterling swept a glass carafe off the table, watching it shatter against the wall.
James hovered near the door, his face pale. "Sir..."
"Sir, I’ve tried to arrange a meeting. Jake Rivers doesn’t have a public number, and his personal assistant—a woman named Alice—was extremely dismissive. She said she’d get back to me, but she never did."
"I’ve tried, sir. They aren’t taking calls from our office."
James nodded and scurried out, leaving Sterling in the shadow of his own fading empire.
At precisely 11:00, the elevator to the Zenith penthouse chimed. Elias Thorne stepped out, followed by five individuals who looked just as capable and dangerous as he did. They moved with a synchronized precision that immediately made the spacious penthouse feel like a command center.
Jake picked up the folder. ’He knows his business,’ Jake thought, reviewing the extensive paperwork. The files were comprehensive, listing specialized training in counter-surveillance, high-threat defensive driving, and tactical medicine. These weren’t just bodyguards; they were operators. After examining the background checks verified by an independent agency, Jake closed the folder. "Fair enough, Elias. Let’s proceed."
"What about the others?" Jake asked, watching the security experts inspect the room.
Jake nodded. "Make sure he understands the definition of ’distance.’ I don’t want her spotting him."
While Elias began a detailed walk-through of the penthouse, mapping extraction routes and checking the reinforced glass of the balcony, Jake’s phone buzzed with another text from Aliya: *If you aren’t here in ten minutes, I’m eating your portion of the ribs!*
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