Chapter 137 The Line
Dominic sat behind the oak desk in his private study, his sharp gaze tracking the international market indices. Hearing the heavy wooden door click open, he looked up to see Clara walking into his perimeter. He instantly detected the intense, beautiful light illuminating her dark eyes.
"You just concluded your call across the Atlantic," Dominic noted smoothly, leaning back in his leather chair. "What data did Celina clear into your column, my love?"
Clara crossed the hardwood floor, sliding onto his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. "She's pregnant, Dominic. Celina is having a baby."
Dominic’s silver eyebrows rose in genuine pleasure, a warm smile completely transforming his sharp features. "That is exceptional news for their home. A true blessing."
"It is," Clara said, her expression turning deeply serious as she looked into his eyes. "But she is terrified of the timing, Dominic. She’s scared the absolute stress of the shareholder assembly next month is going to compromise her health. Carlos is moving aggressively on New York."
Dominic’s gaze instantly turned to pure ice, his commanding presence filling the study. He reached up, his large hand gently cupping the back of Clara’s neck.
"Then we will ensure her perimeter is entirely insulated," Dominic stated, his deep baritone an unyielding column of total authority.
"My corporate alliance belongs strictly to Justin, Clara. I harbor absolutely zero allegiance to Carlos Mason's campaign. Carlos engineered a brilliant private equity firm in Melbourne,
yes - but I will see him locked out of Manhattan before I ever allow his ambition to threaten your sister or her unborn child."
Clara felt a profound wave of peace settle deep into her chest at his words. "Carlos believes his independent board alliances are enough to override Justin's old guard."
"He is severely miscalculating the global market metrics," Dominic growled softly, a lethal, protective fire hardening his eyes.
"I am launching the Ashford Group’s European proxies to back Justin’s sovereignty on the shareholder floor. Carlos thinks he can stride into that tower and launch a chaotic coup? He is about to learn exactly what it means to cross my family. We are going to protect Justin's crown, Clara.
I promise you that."
Clara leaned down, pressing a deep, adoring kiss to his lips, her heart overflowing with love for the powerful man guarding her universe. The Masons were preparing for an absolute explosion in New York - but with Dominic standing firmly as Justin's ultimate shield, the front lines were locked.