The tense meeting ended in a heavy, uneasy silence. Marcus stood up slowly from the chief executive chair. His cold eyes stayed fixed on Julian and Evelyn with deep hatred.

"Enjoy your tiny victory while it lasts, boy," Marcus sneered. He pulled his gray suit jacket straight with a proud jerk. "Tomorrow morning, Vance Global will have a brand new leader."

Liam smiled like a fool behind Marcus. Mr. Sterling wiped nervous sweat from his hot red forehead with his shaking hand. They turned around and walked out of the big room. Their huge guards walked right beside them.

Julian waited until the thick wooden doors closed with a loud...