Chapter 4 - The Spider's Web
Elias worked for Crestview Real Estate, a mid-level firm desperate to break into the big leagues. Landing the Wilson Corporation’s new commercial district contract would mean millions in commissions. It would make Elias a junior partner. He had been obsessing over this pitch for a year, ignoring me on weekends to perfect his slides.
I arrived at Wilson Headquarters at 8:00 AM. The glass skyscraper loomed over the city, a testament to my family’s legacy. As I walked through the lobby, employees stopped and stared. Very few people had ever seen Jonathan Wilson's daughter. My father met me at the elevator doors on the top floor.
"You look like a killer," he said with a proud grin. "I feel like one," I replied. "Elias and his team arrive at 10:00 AM," my father said as we walked into the massive boardroom overlooking the city skyline. "I’ve instructed my board to remain completely silent. The floor is yours, Ella."
At 9:45 AM, I sat in the grand leather chair at the head of the long mahogany table. The room was completely dark, save for the large projector screen at the end. Through the frosted glass walls, I could see them arriving.
Elias was sweating. He was wearing his best suit—the one I had bought him for his birthday. He was nervously fixing his tie, chatting with his boss, a balding man named Mr. Vance. With them was Cynthia. She had begged her way in, acting as a "consultant" just to witness her son's crowning achievement.
My heart didn't flutter when I saw him. I didn't feel sadness, or longing, or heartbreak. I just felt a deep, overwhelming sense of disgust.
"Send them in," I whispered into the intercom. The heavy oak doors clicked open. Mr. Vance walked in first, followed by Elias, and then Cynthia. The lights in the boardroom were dim, intentionally keeping the head of the table in shadows.
"Welcome to Wilson Corporation," my father's Chief Operating Officer said, gesturing to the seats. "The CEO's representative will hear your pitch." Elias puffed out his chest, completely unaware. He booted up his laptop. He smiled his charming, fake smile. "Thank you for having us," Elias began, his voice booming. "Crestview Real Estate is prepared to offer Wilson Corp the most innovative—"
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"Skip the introduction," a voice cut through the dark. My voice. But it was icy. Resonant. Dripping with authority.
Elias froze. His mouth hung open. He blinked, staring into the shadows at the end of the table. Cynthia shifted uncomfortably in her chair, squinting. I leaned forward. The sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows caught my face, my designer suit, and the diamond Rolex on my wrist.
