**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 135**
In the heart of SunCity, the TnC Group Headquarters towered proudly, a testament to the Miller family’s legacy.
On the topmost floor, Daniel Miller’s office was a sanctuary of light, illuminated by the sun streaming through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was dominated by a long, polished mahogany desk that faced a colossal digital screen, which flickered with intricate graphs and data from both past and ongoing projects. Across from each other sat Chase and Chris, their expressions serious and contemplative, while Daniel lingered near a well-stocked bookshelf, absently twirling a gold pen between his fingers, lost in thought.
After a long moment of silence, Daniel broke the tension. “So, Chris, I hear that Callister Group is stepping in as an investor for that troublesome project?” His voice was steady, but curiosity laced his words.
Chris nodded, his demeanor serious. “I haven’t had a direct conversation with Daven, but his team has been relentless in pushing for a meeting regarding the apartment complex I put on hold. I believe Daven wants to grasp the reasons behind my decision to halt it. To be honest, the project has considerable selling potential.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “In the world of business, probing into a stalled project isn’t exactly a crime. If anything, it’s a prudent move before aligning with someone like Harold.” He paused, his gaze sharp. “But what I want to know is, why Callister Group? What makes them the choice?”
Chase leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “A savvy businessman knows to spread his wings wherever the winds of opportunity blow, don’t you think?”
Daniel chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly. “You make a valid point, Chase. Still, it’s… quite intriguing.”
“Absolutely, Dad,” Chris interjected, pulling out a development blueprint from the pile before him. “If this project were to rise from the ashes, we could leverage it to undermine the Mayor.”
Daniel’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he turned sharply to face Chris. “You genuinely want to take it that far, Chris?”
“It might sound extreme, but I stand by it,” Chase interjected, his tone earnest. “Harold has caused us significant damage, Dad. He’s been a bully for far too long—us included. You know it as well as I do.”
Chris added, his frustration evident, “That corrupt Mayor has even cut off our access to several vital plots of land. What infuriates me the most? He manages to keep his public image pristine while being vile behind the scenes.”
“Exactly why we must not act out of anger, Chris,” Daniel cautioned, his voice firm. “I don’t want a repeat of what transpired at Star Club.”
Chris exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I just want him to learn his damn lesson, Dad.”
Daniel shook his head, his tone resolute. “You can’t simply silence someone like Harold by causing a ruckus at a nightclub.”
Chase interjected, sensing the rising tension. “I’m sure Chris understands your concerns, Dad,” he said, redirecting the conversation. His thoughts were already racing ahead, envisioning a larger opportunity that could corner Daven Callister. “This is a moment ripe for us to seize. Influence and new alliances are both within our grasp.”
“Like Daven Callister?” Daniel asked, finally settling back into his chair, his gaze steady on Chase.
“Yes,” Chase affirmed, his voice unwavering. “If Daven is genuinely interested in investing in this project, we can turn that to our advantage. The project faltered due to Harold’s meddling. If Daven steps in and the public learns he was ‘sabotaged,’ it could unleash a storm that Harold won’t see coming.”
Chris nodded quickly, determination lighting his features. “I can make that happen this week. Are you on board with that?”
“Fine by me,” Chase replied, offering his younger brother a supportive pat on the shoulder. “And I want a comprehensive report on every asset tied to that project,” he added. “Including any former investors who might still be lurking around.”
“Also,” Daniel chimed in, his voice cool yet commanding, “find out which members of the city council still have sympathies for Harold. We need to know who our enemies are—and who can be swayed.”
“Understood, Dad,” both Chase and Chris replied in unison. Chris’s resolve seemed to intensify; when it came to Harold, he was fueled by an unwavering desire for retribution. The man had crossed a line in the past—and Chris had no intention of letting it slide.
“But, Chase,” Chris turned to his brother, a flicker of suspicion in his voice. “Why are you suddenly so invested in this project? You never cared before.”
Chase hesitated, visibly contemplating the question. But before he could articulate a response, Chris pressed on.
“Is this about Daven Callister?”
That inquiry caught not just Chris’s attention but Daniel’s as well, who suddenly focused intently on Chase.
“You know him, Chase?”

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