Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3269

It was painfully obvious. Dawkins was using a multi-million dollar contract to strong-arm Gonzalez into bringing Caelan back to the company.

The two corporations had been partnered for a decade, tied together by massive financial interests. If Gonzalez didn't cave, the Hanson corporation would take a catastrophic financial hit.

But if he gave in and let a corrupt executive back into the fold, his authority as CEO would be permanently destroyed.

Trevor was Oliver's most loyal attack dog. Anyone with half a brain could see exactly what role he had played in setting up this trap to humiliate Gonzalez.

As Trevor delivered the ultimatum, Gonzalez didn't even blink. He kept his eyes locked on the Facebook photo glowing on his phone screen.

When Trevor finished, Gonzalez still didn't look up, as if he hadn't heard a single word.

Trevor exchanged a nervous glance with the others and repeated himself. "Gonzalez, Mr. Dawkins was very clear. He will only negotiate with Caelan, or there is no contract."

Gonzalez kept his head bowed, the harsh shadows of the room obscuring his striking features. "And what does Mr. Cromwell think we should do?"

It was exactly the opening Trevor had been waiting for. Feigning reluctance, he sighed. "Given the circumstances... maybe we should reinstate Caelan temporarily. Just until the contract is signed—"

Crash!

Shattering glass echoed like a gunshot, cutting Trevor off instantly. Terrified, Trevor stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet.

Gonzalez had viciously kicked the massive marble coffee table. It flipped over, sending dozens of premium liquor bottles smashing onto the floor. The pungent scent of alcohol flooded the room. After a brief chorus of shrieks, the suite plunged into a dead, suffocating silence.

When Gonzalez stood up, his towering frame commanded the space, emitting a lethal pressure that made everyone in the room hold their breath.

His cold, dark eyes locked onto Trevor. When he spoke, his voice was low, hoarse, and dripping with absolute finality. "Tell Ewan Dawkins that the only reason I kept this partnership alive was out of respect for my father. If he no longer wishes to do business with the Hanson corporation, the deal is dead. Tell him to go find Caelan himself."

If he lost the Hanson account, KN Group's headquarters would have his head. His position as regional director wouldn't survive the next quarter.

"It's too late," Gonzalez replied with lethal indifference. "Since you love Caelan so much, go find him."

He ended the call.

When Dawkins tried to call back seconds later, the line was dead. Gonzalez had already blocked the number and was pushing open the door to the ground-floor party suite.

The room was pure chaos, loud and pulsing with music. But Gonzalez's eyes instantly locked onto the sofa. Norah was slumped sideways, a half-empty bottle dangling from her hand as she giggled mindlessly at Sara.

Taking a deep breath, he bypassed the rest of the room and walked straight to her. He leaned over, gently tapping her flushed, alcohol-warmed cheek. "Norah."

"Hmm?" Norah blinked up at him, her eyes glassy and unfocused.