Chapter 312

Adrian Blackwood's voice dripped with casual menace as he drawled, "Shall I begin enumerating every single one of your illicit transactions?" His piercing gaze swept across the boardroom, making each shareholder feel like prey caught in a predator's sight. While Vivian Hartley's stare could cut glass, Adrian's was downright murderous. An icy tension settled over the room, as if an executioner's blade hovered mere centimeters from their throats.

Their pathetic company wasn't even fit to partner with a Blackwood Group subsidiary, and under Adrian's relentless scrutiny, they resembled frightened rabbits, scarcely daring to blink.

One gray-haired board member summoned his last shred of courage. "Mr. Blackwood, even if there are... irregularities, they're internal matters. Your wife may be Mr. Dawson's daughter, but she holds no shares or official position here."

"Are you accusing me of interference?" Adrian's fingers absently traced circles on Vivian's wrist, her skin like satin beneath his touch. The older man gave a nervous chuckle. "I meant no offense."

With a dangerous smile, Adrian countered, "How unfortunate. I rather enjoy interfering." His gaze flicked to Vivian, brimming with wicked amusement that silently asked for her approval. Vivian marveled at his audacity to flirt so shamelessly in this corporate battlefield, nearly shattering her carefully constructed professional facade.

Flirting was one thing, but did he have to be so blatant? Heat flooded her cheeks as she discreetly dug her nails into his palm. To Adrian, it felt like a kitten's playful nip, and he only tightened his grip in response. Fortunately, the other occupants were too preoccupied with the damning financial documents, sweating bullets, to notice their intimate exchange. Only Ethan Caldwell, standing sentinel behind Adrian, caught the entire interaction. A quiet satisfaction warmed him - perhaps his boss was finally learning the art of romance. The notoriously professional Adrian Blackwood had never indulged in such behavior during business negotiations before.

Vivian regained her composure, voice steady as polished steel. "My offer may not be the highest, but it's fair. I'm proposing the same valuation for all shares. Aren't you concerned Richard might sell yours out from under you? His connections run deeper than yours, and by then, your shares would be worthless."

Adrian kept one arm draped possessively around Vivian's shoulders, the other entwined with her fingers. "Several of your activities have crossed into criminal territory. Imagine what might happen if an upstanding citizen were to report them to the authorities..."

Richard Dawson's face turned ashen. "You wouldn't dare!"

Adrian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Dearest Father-in-law, you can either take the money and retain some dignity, or go down with your sinking ship. The choice seems obvious, doesn't it?"

The term "Father-in-law" dripped with sarcasm rather than respect. Adrian pulled Vivian closer, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, "I've got you." The words sent an unexpected jolt through Vivian, making her question whether their fractured relationship might still hold promise. She mentally scolded herself for this weakness - how could a few tender words erase years of pain?

The shareholders watched, mesmerized, as the lethal duo exchanged flirtatious barbs sharper than any blade. They were a perfectly matched pair of corporate assassins!

Richard leaned toward Daphne Fairchild, whispering urgently, "Perhaps we should accept her offer and negotiate favorable terms. This ship is sinking fast. We could relocate overseas with Natasha and start fresh."

In his mind's eye, Richard already saw Natasha's brilliant future abroad - her beauty and cunning could easily land her a wealthy foreign husband.