The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2842

Of course, he knew the young man before him had a vulnerability much more significant than any corporate skyscraper—it wasn't his business acumen that was at stake, but something much closer to home. His family was his Achilles' heel, a stark contrast to the ruthless persona he cultivated in business circle.

"If you are not going to play ball," he mused aloud, "then I suppose I have no choice. I'm just curious how your parents and your grandparents would feel if they knew about this."

Nolan's face darkened instantly. He could handle confrontations and challenges thrown at him, but he drew the line at his family being dragged into things.

Francis had more up his sleeve than Nolan had anticipated. The man was managing to dig up information on the family Nolan had kept hidden for so long.

Few in the business world knew of his ties to his real family, nor would they suspect someone as young as Nolan came from such a prominent lineage.

"I underestimated you, Mr. Tanner," Nolan said, his lips curling into a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes, now ablaze with the anger he could barely conceal.

Francis, desperate to achieve his goal, mustered a strained smile, "I just hope Mr. Harris will give my proposal another thought before outright refusal."

"Hasn't anyone ever taught you, Mr. Tanner, to think before you speak? If you're not familiar with that concept, perhaps you should ask your daughter. She seems to have a good grasp on it."

Nolan spoke emotionlessly, "And if you're not afraid of dying, feel free to reach out to my family."

After that, Nolan called his secretary to show the guest out.

As Francis was about to leave, he heard Nolan's biting remark, "Let's not let the dogs in next time."

Francis clenched his fists in humiliation, but he had chosen this path himself. To reach his goals, he knew he'd have to endure some degradation. He was aware that Nolan's weak spot was off-limits, yet he was determined to make contact with those very people. How else could he fulfill his ambition?