Chapter 164

Nina's POV

The slam of the car door muffled the chaos of reporters behind me. Everything had gone exactly according to plan. The headlines tomorrow would paint the perfect picture: poor, betrayed Nina Sinclair, choosing justice over love.

"Back to the penthouse," I instructed my driver, already mentally planning my next moves. The destruction of Ian Whitmore was just the beginning. Soon, everyone would see-

The car lurched forward violently. My compact mirror went flying as I was thrown against the seat belt, lipstick smearing across my cheek.

"What the hell?" I snapped, my carefully maintained composure cracking. "Can't you drive properly?"

"I apologize, Miss," the driver's voice wavered. "A car suddenly changed lanes-"

"Just pay attention," I cut him off, dabbing furiously at the red streak on my face. This was exactly what I didn't need right now. I had appointments to keep, moves to make. The game was finally shifting in my favor, and I couldn't afford any-

Two black SUVs smoothly boxed us in.

My heart stopped. Through the tinted windows, I could see men in dark suits emerging from the vehicles.

"Drive!" I ordered, but we were already trapped. The men approached with practiced efficiency, their movements synchronized and purposeful. My mind raced through possibilities - kidnapping? Revenge from Serena? Or had someone else discovered-

My phone rang, displaying an unknown number. With trembling fingers, I answered.

"Miss Sinclair. I'm Rachel." The voice was cultured, and absolutely confident. "I believe you're acquainted with my security team."

I recognized that voice. "Rachel Thorne?"

"Get in the car with my security team. We need to talk in person at my estate."

My pulse quickened. Rachel Thorne - Lucas's fiancee. What could she possibly want with me?

"And why should I trust you?" I kept my voice steady, though my hands were still shaking.

"Because the enemy of your enemy is your friend." Her tone carried a smile. "And you want Sinclair Group, don't you?"

The trembling in my hands stilled. Of course. This wasn't a threat - it was an opportunity.

"I'll come," I said, already reaching for my purse. "But my driver-"

"Will be well compensated for his discretion," she finished smoothly. "Now, shall we?"

The drive to the Thorne estate took us out of Manhattan's concrete jungle and into the manicured wilderness of the elite. Rachel's manor emerged from behind wrought iron gates - a masterpiece of classic architecture that made even my family's mansion seem modest in comparison.

Rachel Thorne waited in what appeared to be a private study. She sat in a high-backed chair, elegant in a tailored suit. Her smile was perfect and predatory.

"Nina." She gestured to the chair across from her. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."

I took the offered seat, matching her smile with my own practiced version. "How could I refuse such an... intriguing offer?"

"Indeed." She studied me for a moment, then nodded slightly, as if confirming something to herself. "I've been watching your recent moves with interest. That press conference today was particularly well played."

"You're too kind."

"Not at all. I recognize talent when I see it." She leaned forward slightly. "Which is why I think we can help each other."

"I'm listening."

"I want you to help me deal with Serena."

My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. "Why would I do that?"

"Because when we succeed, Sinclair Group will be yours." She said it so simply.

I allowed myself a small laugh. "Just like that?"

"Just like that." Rachel's smile didn't waver. "You've already proven yourself capable of removing obstacles. Serena is a different kind of challenge, isn't she? She has Lucas's protection now."

The mention of Lucas made my teeth clench. Yes, my dear sister had managed to snag the most eligible bachelor in Manhattan. Another thing she didn't deserve.

Rachel rose gracefully, moving to a cabinet. "Shall we discuss the details over a drink? I have an excellent Bordeaux that I've been saving for just such an occasion."

I watched as she poured two glasses of deep red wine. Everything about this situation screamed danger, but then again, hadn't I already proven I could dance with devils? And if she could really deliver what she promised...

"To new alliances," Rachel offered, extending one of the glasses to me.

I took it, allowing myself a real smile this time. "To getting exactly what we deserve."

The wine's rich aroma filled my nostrils as I swirled the crystal glass, watching the deep red liquid.

I forced my fingers to remain steady on the wine glass. "Good," I said, keeping my voice level despite the excitement threatening to burst through my chest. "What do you need me to do?"

Rachel's smile widened slightly. She reached into an leather briefcase and withdrew a folder. "I have detailed plans, but first..." She slid the folder across the desk. "A gesture of good faith."

Inside were share transfer documents - ten percent of Sinclair Group's total shares. My heart nearly stopped.

"These shares," Rachel continued, watching my reaction carefully, "were acquired from other Sinclair shareholders. Your father won't notice - I've made sure of that. After we succeed, I'll help you acquire another thirty-one percent. You'll be the largest shareholder. Everything will be under your control."

The papers trembled slightly in my hands. I could almost taste it - the power, the control, everything that should have been mine from the start. But years of playing the game had taught me caution.

"What if," I began carefully, setting the folder down, "you don't transfer Sinclair Group after we succeed? Someone of your status... I couldn't really challenge you. These kinds of deals aren't exactly legal." I met her gaze steadily. "Not that I doubt your integrity, but trust should go both ways for maximum efficiency."

Rachel laughed - a genuine sound that somehow made her more dangerous. "Smart girl. You're absolutely right." She produced another document. "Which is why this agreement has already been legally prepared, with specific conditions and timelines. My reputation may protect me from many things, but a properly executed contract? That's binding even for someone like me."

I scanned the document, my legal training kicking in. The terms were clear, the conditions specific. It was real. This was real.

"Of course," Rachel added, her tone deceptively casual, "this agreement remains between us. No third parties need to be involved."

I looked up from the papers, matching her meaningful gaze. "I've never met you today, Mrs. Thorne."

"Excellent." She leaned back, satisfied. "Now, about Serena..."

"Give me some time," I said, standing as our meeting drew to a close. "I won't disappoint you."

Rachel rose as well, extending her hand. "I'm sure you won't. The car will take you home. Remember - discretion is everything."

As I walked through the mansion's grand hallways, I allowed myself to finally, fully smile.