Chapter 38: The Battle for Power and Love

Jordan strode out of the Camden villa, leaving behind a family obsessed with wealth, status, and revenge.

As he walked away, the only thing that gave him pause was Lucky the poodle.

For three years, Lucky had been his only true companion in that house. Unlike the Camdens, the dog had never judged him, mistreated him, or tried to manipulate him.

Yet, Jordan knew he had no place here anymore.

This wasn’t his family.

Without looking back, he walked away, letting the past fade into irrelevance.

---

Salvatore’s Hidden Agenda

Meanwhile, Salvatore and his battered underlings piled into a car, their bodies aching from the beating Jordan had given them.

Drew rushed over, grateful that Salvatore had kept his secret even after getting humiliated.

“Salvatore, are you alright?” Drew asked awkwardly.

Salvatore, still fuming, snapped, “You gave me a death wish, you idiot! You better pay up—$150,000 more to cover my underlings’ medical bills.”

Drew nodded quickly. “Money’s not a problem. Just make sure Jordan suffers. Are you going to… you know… take care of him?”

Salvatore smirked, rubbing his injured finger.

“Oh, I’ll handle it. But I’ve got something bigger to take care of first.”

With that, he sped off, leaving Drew smug and satisfied.

He had no idea Salvatore had just lied to his face.

Salvatore wasn’t going to waste time on Drew’s petty revenge.

He had been humiliated in front of an entire family. His finger was broken. His reputation was at stake.

If he didn’t strike back, no one in the city would ever respect him again.

He needed reinforcements.

“Book me a flight to Thailand immediately,” he ordered his men.

He was going to find Pablo, the most feared crime lord in the region.

---

Ace Corporation: The Power Play Begins

Back at Ace Corporation, Jordan called for a top-level executive meeting to discuss the Camden project.

Even though he despised the Camdens, the $11 million investment made strategic sense.

The luxury private residence would cater to Orlando’s wealthiest families. More importantly, Ace Corporation could leverage the project to expand its business connections.

Victoria and the executives agreed unanimously—the deal was a go.

Jordan leaned back in his chair. “Alright, let’s move forward with the investment. But first, I want Landmark Realty to send someone over and walk me through the full details.”

Victoria nodded. “I’ll inform them right away.”

---

The Camdens React

At the Camden estate, the family sat in tense anticipation.

When Herman picked up the call from Victoria, his face lit up with excitement.

“Mom! Ace Corporation is in! The president himself wants to meet with me to go over the project!”

The Camdens erupted in cheers.

Old Mrs. Camden grinned. “Excellent! This partnership will put us on the map! Herman, you must impress Mr. Steele—we need him to keep investing in our projects long-term!”

Herman puffed up with pride, eager to meet the powerful and mysterious Mr. Steele.

However, his daughter Elle had other ideas.

She leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Dad, make sure to check if Mr. Steele is as handsome as everyone says.”

Herman rolled his eyes. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Elle grinned. “If he’s rich and powerful, why can’t I have him?”

Hailey snapped, her jealousy flaring.

“Elle, no matter how good-looking he is, he already has Victoria Clarke. You really think you can snatch him away?”

Elle flipped her hair, smirking. “Why not? I’m younger, my body’s better, and men always prefer something fresh.

Besides, they’re just dating, not married. He’s still fair game.”

Drew laughed. “I agree with Elle. Hailey, you should support her! Victoria Clarke slapped you—this is the perfect revenge.”

Even Old Mrs. Camden joined in. “Elle is right! A powerful man like Mr. Steele is too rare. If she can take him, we should support her!”

Elle beamed, thrilled to have her family’s backing.

Hailey, however, refused to be sidelined.

“I’m going too.”

Sylvie quickly chimed in. “Yes! Hailey is the most beautiful woman in the city! If anyone can steal Mr. Steele, it’s her!”

Elle scoffed, mocking her cousin. “Please. No powerful man would ever marry a divorced woman.”

Old Mrs. Camden nodded in agreement. “Elle has the best shot. Hailey, you focus on Tyler Collins.”

Hailey fumed, her jealousy boiling over.

Once, she had mocked Jordan, called him worthless, flaunted her relationship with Tyler Collins.

But now?

Now, she wanted him back.

And she wasn’t going to let Elle have him.

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The Seduction Plan

When Herman and Elle arrived at Ace Corporation, Jordan was too busy to meet with them immediately.

Ashley led them to the conference room—but Jordan had instructed her not to serve them drinks.

He had not forgotten their cruelty.

Inside the meeting room, Elle adjusted her dress, frowning.

“Dad, why did you make me wear this? It’s elegant, sure, but it covers too much! If I want to seduce Mr. Steele, he needs to see my full figure!”

Herman chuckled. “Elle, you need to be subtle. Men like mystery.”

Elle rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe that. If he’s rich and powerful, he probably has women throwing themselves at him all the time. I need to stand out!”

She reached for the zipper at the back of her dress.

“What are you doing!?” Herman hissed.

Elle grinned, lowering the zipper just enough to reveal her back.

“Just adding a little spice, Dad. If Victoria Clarke thinks she can keep him, she’s dead wrong.”

Herman smirked, confident that his daughter’s beauty would win over the elusive Mr. Steele.

What neither of them realized…

Jordan wasn’t interested in being owned.

And he was about to show them just how ruthless he could be.