The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 82

Chapter 73: Owning Hart Industries

Bella pov

+25 Points

“Is exactly what he would do to me if our positions were reversed,” I interrupted. “You’ve seen what he’s like, Maya. He sold me to save this company, then threw me out when I was pregnant. He doesn’t deserve mercy.”

“Maybe not, but do you want Tom to grow up seeing you destroy his grandfather?”

That made me pause. “Tom will grow up knowing I don’t let people hurt me without consequences.”

Maya sighed but didn’t argue further. She knew me too well.

That evening, I was reviewing the board meeting agenda when Caleb found me on the terrace. Tom was asleep, the city lights sparkled below, and I was finally allowing myself to feel the satisfaction of what I’d accomplished.

“You’re smiling,” Caleb observed, leaning against the railing beside me.

“I’m about to take everything from the man who took everything from me.” I looked at him. “Shouldn’t I smile?”

*Just making sure this is what you want.” His grey eyes were serious. “Revenge feels good in the moment, but it doesn’t always feel good after.”

“This isn’t revenge, it’s justice.” I turned back to the city. “He tried to destroy my company, Caleb. He was willing to ruin hundreds of employees’ livelihoods just to hurt me. I’m not letting that slide.”

“I know, and I’m not saying you should.” Caleb was quiet for a moment. “I’m just saying make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.”

“The right reasons?” I laughed bitterly. “He sold me like cattle, chased me out while I was pregnant, lied against me and just tried to tank my company. What are the right reasons?”

“Protecting what’s yours, building something better, making sure he can’t hurt anyone else.” Caleb’s voice was gentle. “Not punishing him for being a terrible father.”

I wanted to argue, but he had a point. “Maybe it’s a little of both.”

“That’s fair.” He smiled slightly. “For what it’s worth, I think you should do it. Hart Industries deserves better leadership, and you’re the only Hart capable of providing it.”

“You’re just saying that because you helped me plan this.”

“I helped because you asked, and because watching you dismantle his scheme was the most impressive thing I’ve seen in years.” Caleb’s eyes held admiration. “But the decision to take over the company, that’s all you.”

We stood there in comfortable silence, and I realized this was becoming a pattern. Late nights on the terrace, talking about business and life and everything in between, standing close but not quite touching.

“Thank you,” I said finally. “For the resources, the lawyers, the support. You didn’t have to help.”

1/3

<Chapter 73-eng Hart Industres

+25 Points

“Yes, I did.” His voice was firm. “We’re partners, Bella. In business, in raising Tom, in everything. When someone comes after you, they come after both of us.”

The words settled over me, warm and frightening at once. Partners implied trust, cooperation, maybe even something more.

“I should sleep,” I said, needing distance. “Big day Monday.”

“Bella.” His hand caught my wrist gently as I moved past. “You’re going to be brilliant at that board meeting. Richard won’t know what hit him.”

I looked down at his hand on my wrist, at the way his thumb brushed my pulse point, and felt electricity shoot through me. “Caleb”

“I know.” He let go immediately. “Maintaining distance. I’m trying.”

“Are you?” The question came out before I could stop it.

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“No,’ he admitted. “I’m terrible at it, actually. But I’m trying to respect your boundaries even though every instinct I have says to pull you close and never let go.”

My breath caught. “That’s not helping.”

“Sorry.” He stepped back, putting space between us. “Go sleep, I’ll be here if you need anything.”

I fled to my room before I could do something stupid like close that distance and kiss him again.

Monday morning arrived too quickly. I dressed in my most severe black power suit, pulled my hair into a sleek bun, and applied makeup like war paint. Today was the Iron Empress, and I was about to show Richard Hart what happens when you underestimate your daughter.

The Hart Industries board room was exactly as I remembered-dark wood, expensive art, the smell of old money and older men. I’d been in this room once before, the day Richard announced my engagement to Caleb like I was a merger asset.

Now I owned it.

Richard sat at the head of the table looking smug, probably thinking this emergency meeting was about salvaging his Singapore scheme. The other board members looked confused and worried, most of them old friends of my grandfather who’d watched the company decline under Richard’s leadership.

“Thank you all for coming,” I said, taking the seat directly across from my father. “I know this was short notice.”

“Bella, what are you doing here?” Richard’s voice held irritation. “This is a board meeting for Hart Industries executives.”

“I’m aware.” I pulled out the ownership documents and slid them across the table. “As the majority shareholder, I’m exercising my right to call for new leadership.”

The room went silent. Richard’s face turned purple as he grabbed the documents.

2/3

Chapter 73ming Hart Industries

This is impossible, you can’t”

25 Points

own 67% of Hart Industries as of Friday afternoon,” I said calmly. “While you were busy trying to steal my Singapore subsidiary, bought out every major shareholder willing to sell. Turns out, quite a few were eager to get out before your debt load sank the company.”

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