Chapter 13 Back in Kingston City , Allison had officially become the majority shareholder of Winters Group With her father's shares and the assets once held by Alexander returned to her name , she now sat at the head of the boardroom table- for the first time . And they hated her for it . The men seated around her looked more like wolves than executives . Predatory smiles , sharpened words . " You should've stayed quiet , sweetheart , " one of them sneered . " You had the money , the name . Why come back to this mess ? " " Rockwood just died and you're already cozying up to the Vanderbilts . What , they not paying your bills anymore ? " " Honestly , wouldn't it be easier for you to just keep the Vanderbilt CEO happy in bed , instead of stressing over board reports ? " Laughter rippled across the table , cruel and loud .. " Women like you shouldn't be in boardrooms . Especially with that … reputation . You're going to tank this company . " " Your father never ran the company properly . And you ? You're just a spoiled daughter with a nice dress . " " Take your dividends and go . No one needs you micromanaging us . " " You're even more useless than your father ever was . Allison stayed still These men had grown arrogant during her father's absence . After her mother passed , William had stepped back entirely , leaving the company to coast on autopilot - and they treated it like their personal playground . They thought the throne was theirs . But they were wrong " I'm the majority shareholder , " Allison said calmly , her voice steady . " That gives me every right to take over as CEO . " Director Lewis leaned back in his chair , clapping his hands with a smirk . " We warned you . But you kids never listen until it's too late . " The boardroom doors swung open . Four bulky men in tailored black suits stepped inside - clearly private security . There was nothing subtle about their presence . " Gentlemen , " Lewis said smoothly , gesturing toward Allison . " Please escort Miss Winters out . Let her unwind a little . Get her a drink . Maybe snap a few flattering photos for posterity . Make sure her memory stays … sharp . " He flashed a cruel , reptillan grin . " And if she resists ? " He raised a brow . " Well , you know how to handle that . ' One of the guards reached out , grabbing for her . " Don't touch me ! " Allison jerked back hard. " This is assault- " What are you going to do ? " one of the men scoffed . " Call Daddy ? You're just a pampered little brat playing dress - up in a boardroom . " Before another word could be said , the doors slammed open again . Quinn strode in , dressed in a jet - black suit that screamed money and menace . He didn't say a word - just crossed the room in three long strides and wrapped Allison in his arms , positioning himself squarely between her and the guards . " Who says she doesn't have power ? " His voice was cold as steel . Cloper 13 Chapter 13 Back in Kingston City , Allison had officially become the majority shareholder of Winters Group . With her father's shares and the assets once held by Alexander returned to her name , she now sat at the head of the boardroom table- for the first time . And they hated her for it . The men seated around her looked more like wolves than executives . Predatory smiles , sharpened words . " You should've stayed quiet , sweetheart , " one of them sneered . " You had the money , the name . Why come back to this mess ? " " Rockwood just died and you're already cozying up to the Vanderbilts . What , they not paying your bills anymore ? " " Honestly , wouldn't it be easier for you to just keep the Vanderbilt CEO happy in bed , instead of stressing over board reports ? " Laughter rippled across the table , cruel and loud . " Women like you shouldn't be in boardrooms . Especially with that … reputation . You're going to tank this company . " " Your father never ran the company properly . And you ? You're just a spoiled daughter with a nice dress . " " Take your dividends and go . No one needs you micromanaging us . ! " You're even more useless than your father ever was . " Allison stayed still . These men had grown arrogant during her father's absence . After her mother passed , William had stepped back entirely , leaving the company to coast on autopilot - and they treated it like their personal playground . They thought the throne was theirs . But they were wrong " I'm the majority shareholder , " Allison said calmly , her voice steady . " That gives me every right to take over as CEO . Director Lewis leaned back in his chair , clapping his hands with a smirk . "We warned you . But you kids never listen until it's too late . " The boardroom doors swung open . Four bulky men in tailored black suits stepped inside - clearly private security . There was nothing subtle about their presence . " Gentlemen , " Lewis said smoothly , gesturing toward Allison . " Please escort Miss Winters out . Let her unwind a little . Get her a drink . Maybe snap a few flattering photos for posterity . Make sure her memory stays … sharp . " He flashed a cruel , reptilian grin . " And if she resists ? " He raised a brow . " Well , you know how to handle that . " One of the guards reached out , grabbing for her . " Don't touch me ! " Allison jerked back hard . " This is assault- " " What are you going to do ? " one of the men scoffed . " Call Daddy ? You're just a pampered little brat playing dress - up in a boardroom . " Before another word could be said , the doors slammed open again . Quinn strode in , dressed in a jet - black suit that screamed money and menace . He didn't say a word - just crossed the room in three long strides and wrapped Allison in his arms , positioning himself squarely between her and the guards . " Who says she doesn't have power ? " His voice was cold as steel . Chapter 13 His glare locked on Lewis like a loaded gun . " It Allison wants something , she gets it . And if anyone here has a problem with that - try me . Color drained from Lewis's face . The boardroom fell into an icy hush " M - Mr . Vanderbilt , " Lewis finally managed to choke out , voice cracking , " Surely you're not going to risk going up against the entire board over her ? We have backing from the most powerful families in the state- " You want to band together ? " Quinn arched a brow . " Fine Team up . Come at me all at once . " He let out a humorless smile . " I'll wait . " Then he turned back to Allison , gently checking her arms for bruises , his touch surprisingly tender . Once he was sure she was unharmed , he straightened and turned back to the board . " As of this moment , Allison Winters is the CEO of Winters Group . " He pulled out a formal appointment letter , already signed and stamped . " You'll all sign it . Now . " They obeyed - one by one , tight - lipped and silent . As they did , Allison just stared at Quinn , her heart twisted in a tangle of confusion , awe , and something deeper she couldn't quite name . Back in the car , she sat beside him , sneaking glances at his profile as the city lights slid past . He caught her staring " Something you want to ask ? " She hesitated , then nodded . " Do you really want to marry me ? " A slow , amused smile touched his lips . " You walked out of Alexander's funeral in a wedding dress , remember ? That's wife energy if I've ever seen it . " He reached for her hand . " Whenever you're ready , we'll file the paperwork . Ceremony too - whatever you want , however you want it . " The question almost slipped from her mouth - why ? But she swallowed it back . Marrying him had been her mother's dying wish . And now … it felt like the only anchor in her world . She turned toward the window , her thoughts lost in a blur of city lights and emotion . Then Quinn leaned in , his voice low at her ear , " Frore now on , " he said , " you've got me . And everything Lown . The entire Vanderbilt estate is yours to command . Whatever you want , Allison - take it . " A shiver rolled down her spine . But before she could speak , the car slammed to a sudden stop . Someone had stepped into the road - blocking their path . Chapter 13