Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 143: Dave Ravensdale

The next day, Desmond arrived at one of the city’s most exclusive high-end clubs. It was the kind of place where people with power and money came to relax, discuss deals, or quietly pull the strings that moved companies and even governments.

Tonight, Desmond had arranged a meeting with the only person who had agreed to help him in the difficult situation he found himself in.

Ever since he took the temporary lead at the Allen Group, Desmond had built quite a network of friends and supporters—far more than he ever had back when he was just the vice president.

But with power came painful lessons. And the biggest lesson he had learned? When things go wrong, most people disappear.

In the last few weeks, Desmond had reached out to nearly every one of his high-society contacts. He had called in favors, visited them personally, and even humbled himself enough to ask for loans to stabilize his crumbling hold over the company. But no one helped. Not even one.

Most of them had smiled politely, made empty promises, and then turned their backs on him. While some encouraged him to try someone else. In summary, he learnt one lesson "you are lonely when you are down."

It was during one of these disappointing visits that he came across a name—an introduction, really. A young entrepreneur, rich, bold, and rising fast. He already owned several companies across different industries and was known to be a sharp, fearless investor. Someone who didn’t mind getting his hands dirty if the reward was worth it.

Desmond had never met him before, but something told him this might be his last shot.

Taking a deep breath, Desmond stepped out of his car in front of the club. He handed the keys to the valet and nodded briefly. Even now, he carried himself with the pride and confidence of a top-tier executive of the Allen Group. But inside, his nerves were buzzing.

As he entered the club, the rich scent of wine and expensive cigarettes filled the air. The lighting was soft, the music low and tasteful. A waiter approached him with a slight bow.

"Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes," Desmond replied with a nod.

The waiter checked a small device in his hand, scanning the list. Then, with a professional smile, he gestured. "Right this way, sir."

Desmond followed him through a short hallway, past other private lounges where hushed conversations were taking place. Finally, they stopped in front of a white door.

waiter said, pulling the door

had expected to see someone waiting—perhaps a stern older man or younger in a suit. But the room was empty. His heart skipped a beat in fear of

The room was quiet and dimly lit, furnished with a long leather couch, a glass coffee table, and a mini

from her hand, and placed it

wore thin. He began pacing the room,

he couldn’t calm it. Every minute that passed made him feel like a fool, like

was about to leave and the door creaked

suit. He carried himself with ease, as though this room and the

stunned for a second. "Already leaving?" the man

was about to step

glanced at his wristwatch and smirked. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Something came up."

in the man’s

and tossed it on the glass table.

said casually. "If you’re okay

slowly reached for it. His fingers brushed the smooth leather cover before opening it. The first page bore his name in bold, along with several figures and

off, reading

Desmond looked

at holding onto what little control you have left."

pages, flipping through them slowly. It was a business offer, but not just any kind. The young man wanted

hated needing help. But he had no choice. "The mysterious man he

dragged me into decisions that backfired, strategies that left the company vulnerable. With just one more push, the whole effort will collapse." He

that was the man’s dream and hope but that had

quietly flipped through the share transfer documents again and again. His eyes scanned every line, every clause, every number. It was a good deal—on the surface. But something

his eyes

doubt it. That