Chapter 19 - The Half-Billion Dollar Ultimatum
One week later, the Morreti Tower was quiet. The criminal element was entirely purged. The board was replaced by legitimate, boring corporate lawyers.
Clara was back in the penthouse, packing her duffel bag again.
Julian walked in, leaning against the doorframe. "Going somewhere?"
"Back to my apartment," Clara said, zipping the bag. "The war is over. I don't need protection anymore. And I'm pretty sure I don't work for you anymore since your board is clean."
Julian’s jaw ticked. He walked over, picked up her duffel bag, and casually tossed it out into the hallway.
"Hey!" Clara protested.
"You aren't leaving," Julian stated, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a massive, terrifyingly thick legal document and slammed it onto the dresser.
"What is that?" Clara asked.
"A transfer of ownership," Julian said smoothly. "I just signed over fifty-one percent of Morreti Global Hospitality to you. Valued at roughly half a billion dollars."
Clara stared at him, her mouth hanging open. "Are you insane? You can't just give me a controlling stake in your company!"
"I already did," Julian smirked. "Which means technically, you are my boss now. So you have to stay. It's a half-billion-dollar ultimatum."
Clara laughed in sheer disbelief, shaking her head. "You are the most controlling, ridiculous, impossible man I have ever met."
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"And you love me," Julian challenged, stepping into her space and wrapping his arms around her waist.
Clara looked up into his dark eyes, all the fear completely gone. "Yeah. I really do."
