Chapter 453
Chapter 453:
The interior of the mansion spoke of money so old it had forgotten its origins. Persian rugs covered polished floors, oil paintings in heavy frames lined the walls, and crystal chandeliers cast warm light over furniture that belonged in museums. Alexander had grown up wealthy, but this was wealth on a different scale entirely.
Richard Lewis appeared in the doorway of what must have been the library, and Alexander immediately saw where Camille got her strong jawline and determined eyes. He was tall, silver-haired, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that probably cost more than most people’s cars.
“There’s my girl,” Richard said, opening his arms.
Camille practically ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist like she was twelve years old again. “Hi, Dad.”
“Hello, sweetheart.” Richard’s voice was thick with emotion as he held his daughter. Over her head, his eyes met Alexander’s. “And you must be the man who stole my daughter’s heart.”
Alexander stepped forward, extending his hand. “Mr. Lewis, it’s an honor to finally spend time with you properly.”
Richard’s handshake was firm, his gaze direct and calculating. This was a man who had built fortunes and destroyed competitors, who moved in circles where billion-dollar decisions were made over dinner. “Call me Dad. Margaret’s right— we’re family now.”
They moved into a dining room that could have hosted a state dinner. The table was set with china so fine it seemed to glow, crystal glasses that caught the light from another massive chandelier, and silver that had probably been in the family for generations.
As they sat down, Alexander found himself directly across from Richard, with Camille to his right and Margaret to his left. The arrangement felt intentional, designed to put him at the center of their attention.
“So,” Richard said as the first course arrived, “tell me about Pierce Enterprises. I’ve been following your clean energy initiatives with great interest.”
Alexander launched into a description of his company’s projects, carefully keeping his voice steady even as his mind raced. These people had casually moved billions of dollars to save Kane Industries. They socialized with the most powerful families in America. They could destroy his life with a single phone call if they suspected what he was really doing.
𝓵α𝓽𝓔𝓼𝓉 с𝖍𝖆ρ𝗍𝓮𝗋𝓈 𝗀α𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝖑𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗈𝗆
“Impressive,” Richard nodded approvingly. “The solar panel efficiency improvements alone could revolutionize the industry.”
“That’s the goal,” Alexander replied. “Though it’s been challenging to scale production to meet demand.”
“I might be able to help with that,” Richard said casually. “I know some people in manufacturing who could be interested in partnership opportunities.
Margaret placed her hand on Alexander’s arm. “Richard, let the man eat his dinner before you start talking business deals.”
Camille laughed. “Dad’s always networking. Even at family dinners.”
“Guilty as charged,” Richard admitted with a grin. “But that’s how we were able to help Kane Industries so quickly. When you’ve spent decades building relationships, you can mobilize resources fast when your daughter needs help.”
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