Chapter 7: The Blind Ambition of Ethan
Ethan frowned, slamming his champagne glass onto the desk. “What are you barging in for? Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“Sir! Sinclair Capital just released an emergency global statement!” the secretary stuttered, pointing frantically at the TV screen on the wall.
Ethan turned to the financial news channel. A live news broadcast was breaking across the screen:
BREAKING NEWS: Sinclair Consortium officially terminates all partnerships, credit lines, and brand licensing with Carter Luxury Group with immediate effect.
Ethan’s cigar slipped from his fingers, falling onto the carpet.
“What?! That’s impossible!” Ethan roared, jumping up from his chair. “We’re supposed to sign the fifty-million-dollar deal today! Why would Sinclair suddenly pull out?”
Chloe panicked slightly, though she tried to sound reassuring. “Ethan, it must be a mistake! Maybe a technical glitch in their press department? Call your contact at Sinclair!”
Ethan pulled out his phone with trembling hands and dialed the private number of Sinclair’s Senior Vice President.
The call connected on the second ring.
“Vice President Miller! What is the meaning of this news report?” Ethan yelled. “We had an agreement! You said Sinclair was backing Carter Group!”
A cold, unfamiliar voice responded from the speakerphone:
“Mr. Carter. Vice President Miller has been relieved of his duties for gross negligence. I am Lucas Vance, Special Advisor to the new Chairwoman of Sinclair Consortium.”
Chloe gasped. “Lucas?! You traitorous bastard! Why are you on Sinclair’s phone?”
Lucas ignored her, his voice icy through the speaker. “Ethan Carter, on the direct orders of Chairwoman Natalie Sinclair, all business relations between Sinclair and Carter Luxury Group are permanently revoked.”
Ethan froze as if struck by lightning.
“N-Natalie… Sinclair?!” Ethan stammered, his mind spinning into complete chaos. “What does Natalie have to do with Sinclair Consortium?!”
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