Chapter 10 - Ghosts from the Underworld
Emma clutched her arms around herself, shivering in the cold dampness of the underground garage as Christian and Jax exchanged intense, loaded glances. The mention of the name 'Jax' sent a strange, cold shiver down Emma's spine; she had heard whispers among the estate staff about Christian’s wild, rebellious past before he inherited the corporate throne—a past he had buried under tailored suits and multi-million-dollar acquisitions. Jax stepped closer, his heavy leather boots crunching on the gravelly concrete, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest as he looked past Christian to lock eyes with Emma. ""So this is the girl the high-society vultures are trying to gut,"" Jax noted, his tone surprisingly soft despite his rough exterior. ""Hope you know what you're getting into, kid. Vance men don't do normal families.""
Christian stepped sideways, instinctively placing himself between Jax and Emma, his protective territoriality flaring up once more. ""What are you doing here, Jax? I thought you stayed out of the city limits after the docks deal went south."" Jax let out a harsh, bitter laugh, shaking his head. ""I didn't come for you, Christian. I came because my phone blew up with an alert from an old contact at the clinic who saw your security feeds getting hijacked by Sterling’s clean-up crew. Sterling isn't just trying to stop a baby, man. He’s liquidating assets. He’s planning a hostile takeover of your entire empire by tomorrow noon, using your quarantine as proof of 'mental incompetence'."" The words hit Christian like a physical blow. The pregnancy wasn't just a personal scandal; it was the trigger for a well-orchestrated corporate coup designed to strip him of everything he owned.
Emma stepped out from behind the concrete pillar, her bare feet pressing against the cold floor, her eyes burning with fierce determination. She was done being treated like a helpless bystander in a war played over her body. ""If Sterling wants a war, let's give him one,"" Emma said, her voice cutting through the heavy tension of the garage. Christian turned to look at her, sheer shock registering on his sharp face. For the first time, he wasn't looking at a terrified housekeeper or a fragile incubator; he was looking at an equal. Jax grinned, a wicked, approving smirk stretching across his bearded face. ""Well, I'll be damned, Christian. The girl’s got more spine than your entire board of directors."" Christian’s jaw tightened, a dark, dangerous fire igniting in his eyes. He reached out, grabbing Emma’s hand and squeezing it hard. ""Get in the truck,"" Christian commanded, turning to Jax’s heavy-duty motorcycle and sidecar parked in the corner. ""We’re going to the board meeting early.""
