“That’s exactly the problem,” Theo cut him off. “You didn’t realize because you didn’t care enough to pay attention. But I did. And now I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere unless Eleanor asks me to leave.”
The Power Shift
Vivien made her fatal mistake then. She drew herself up to her full height, every inch the Ashworth heiress, and said with cold authority, “Well, we’ll just see about that. We have security, Mr. Blackwood.”
The silence that followed was the kind that precedes either laughter or violence. Theo chose laughter—rich and genuinely amused, the sound of someone who finds a situation delightful rather than threatening.
“Your security?” He pulled out his phone and made a quick call. “James? Send the car around, please. And bring the portfolio I prepared.”
He hung up and smiled at Vivien with the patience of a cat watching a foolish mouse venture too far from its hole.
“Security is an interesting concept,” he said conversationally. “The Ashworths have done quite well for themselves in Denver society. Regional wealth, local influence, respected family name. Quite impressive, really, for three generations of careful planning and strategic marriages.”
Brandon was beginning to look like a man who’d just realized he was standing on quicksand. “Mr. Blackwood, I think there may be some misunderstanding about—”
“Oh, there’s definitely a misunderstanding,” Theo agreed pleasantly. “You seem to think you’re in control of this situation. You seem to think you can treat Eleanor however you choose without consequences.”
A sleek black Mercedes pulled up to the garden entrance, and a uniformed driver emerged carrying a leather portfolio. He approached with the kind of respectful deference that serious money recognizes instantly.
Theo opened the portfolio and pulled out what appeared to be architectural drawings and legal documents.
“These are the plans for the new Blackwood Tower downtown,” he explained, spreading them out on the garden wall. “Forty-two stories, mixed-use development—residential, commercial, retail. Construction begins next month. It’s going to transform that entire district.”
He flipped to another page, pointing to a highlighted section. “And this is the site where it’s being built.”
Vivien leaned forward despite herself, her face going from curious to absolutely stricken as she recognized the address. “That’s… that’s where Ashworth Properties has their main office building. My father’s building.”
“Had their office building,” Theo corrected gently. “I purchased the property last month through a series of intermediary corporations. The current tenants have ninety days to relocate under the terms of the sale.”
The color drained completely from Vivien’s face. “You can’t do that. That building has been our headquarters for thirty years.”
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