Chapter 8 - SHADOWS OF THE PAST
(1,500 words)
Three months later.
Winter had settled over Chicago, blanketing the city in pristine white snow. The Linden Room was decorated for the holidays with twinkling lights, pine garlands, and a massive Christmas tree in the center of the main dining room.
Our partnership had blossomed into something extraordinary. The restaurant had won "Best New Dining Experience" in Chicago, and Adrian’s riverfront development was officially underway—a massive project that included affordable housing units, community centers, and green spaces, completely funded by Voss Enterprises.
And between Adrian and me, love had grown deep, steady, and unshakeable.
It was a cold Tuesday evening after closing. The restaurant was quiet, illuminated only by the warm glow of the Christmas tree lights. Adrian and I were sitting at a quiet corner table—the very same table where we had first met—sharing a bottle of red wine.
"I still remember the look on your face when you told me off," Adrian chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his glass. "You were wearing that stained apron, holding a worn purse, looking like you wanted to throw a chair at me."
"You were being incredibly obnoxious," I teased, reaching across the small table to interlock my fingers with his. "Sitting there in your five-thousand-dollar suit, sipping coffee while poor Mrs. Ellis was crying."
"I was tested by you, Sophie," Adrian said, his tone softening as he looked into my eyes. "And I think I passed."
"Barely," I grinned.
Before he could reply, the heavy front doors rattled. I looked over in surprise. The doors were locked, and the "Closed" sign was turned outward.
Frank, who was standing near the coat rack, stepped forward instantly, his hand moving toward his jacket.
A tall man stepped through the side entrance, shaking snow off his heavy wool coat. He was in his late fifties, with silver-streaked hair, sharp blue eyes, and a commanding presence that immediately filled the room.
When Adrian saw him, his posture stiffened. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a tense, wary stillness.
"Dominic," Adrian said, his voice flat.
The man pulled off his leather gloves, looking around the beautifully decorated restaurant before resting his eyes on Adrian, and then on me.
"Hello, Adrian," the man said, his voice deep and gravelly. "It’s been a long time."
I looked at Adrian, confusion taking over. "Adrian... who is this?"
"Sophie," Adrian said, his voice quiet and cautious. "Meet Dominic Voss. My father."
My breath hitched. Adrian’s father? The man who had abandoned Adrian fifteen years ago, leaving him to navigate the dangerous corporate and political waters of Chicago alone? The legendary, elusive founder of the original Voss estate?
Dominic walked slowly toward our table, his hands resting in his coat pockets. "I see the rumors are true. You’ve turned this city upside down, son. Destroyed the Vances, rebuilt the riverfront... and took over the hospitality sector."
"I didn't do it for your approval, Dominic," Adrian said coldly, not making any movement to stand up or offer a chair. "Why are you here?"
Dominic looked down at me, offering a polite, practiced nod. "Miss Carter. I’ve read a great deal about you. The young woman who tamed my son."
"I didn't tame anyone, Mr. Voss," I said, holding his cold blue gaze. "Adrian didn't need taming. He just needed someone who believed in his integrity."
Dominic let out a dry, hollow laugh. "Integrity. A noble word. But integrity doesn't protect a business empire, Miss Carter. I built Voss Enterprises from nothing. And I came here tonight because my son is making a critical mistake."
Adrian stood up slowly, towering over his father. "State your business, Dominic, or get out of my restaurant."
Dominic’s expression hardened. "The riverfront development, Adrian. You’ve dedicated forty percent of the land to non-profit housing and public parks. You’re throwing away hundreds of millions of dollars in commercial real estate profits."
"I’m building something that lasts," Adrian replied, his voice deadly quiet. "Something that helps this city instead of bleeding it dry like you did."
"I came back to Chicago to resume my seat on the board of directors," Dominic announced calmly, pulling a document from his coat and laying it on the table. "Under the original charter of Voss Enterprises, as the founding shareholder, I retain thirty-five percent voting power. Combined with the institutional investors who are furious about your charitable spending, I have enough votes to block your riverfront project at tomorrow's board meeting."
My stomach dropped into a cold abyss. He was trying to strip Adrian of his power.
Adrian looked down at the document, his jaw clenching so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek. "You left fifteen years ago, Dominic. You have no right to come back here and dictate how I run this company."
"I have every legal right," Dominic said smoothly, stepping back toward the door. "Unless, of course, you’re willing to compromise. Scrap the affordable housing project, turn the land into luxury condos, and I will support your tenure as CEO."
May you like
He paused at the door, pulling his gloves back on. "Think about it, Adrian. Board meeting is at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. Choose between your ideals... or your legacy."
With that, Dominic stepped back out into the snowy night, leaving behind a suffocating silence.
