Across Distant Horizons (In Love With An Heiress Book 2)

The grand boardroom was filled with a tense atmosphere as Avery Anderson walked in, her demeanor a careful blend of confidence and trepidation. The opulent room, with its polished mahogany table and towering windows overlooking manicured gardens, seemed almost too serene compared to the storm brewing within Avery's mind.

Sawyer Barrette Collins, a man known for his ruthlessness and strategic mind, sat at the head of the table, his gaze sharp as he observed Avery. His calm exterior masked the intense scrutiny he was applying to every detail of her report.

"Mr. Collins," Avery began, her voice steady but edged with nervousness. "I have gathered the information you requested. It's more extensive than anticipated, and it's potent enough to shake things up significantly."

Sawyer leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Excellent. Lay it out for me. What have you discovered?"

Avery's hands were slightly trembling as she unfolded the documents she had brought. She had meticulously compiled details about MJ Chen's struggles and the weaknesses in the Chen family's operations. Her heart pounded as she prepared to divulge the most sensitive part of her findings.

"MJ ," Avery started, her voice steadying as she spoke, "has a dark past. A few years ago, she experienced severe emotional distress. She even reached a point where she attempted to take her own life."

Sawyer's eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and intrigue. "This is indeed significant. Can you provide specifics? When did this occur, and what were the circumstances?"

Avery took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "It was about four years ago, during a particularly turbulent time in her life. The pressures from her family and her public persona had become unbearable. I was involved in that period, and I witnessed her struggle up close."

Sawyer's expression grew serious. "How did you obtain this information, and why did you decide to share it now?"

Avery's gaze was unwavering as she spoke. "I was a confidante during that time. MJ trusted me with her deepest secrets, and though I kept that information confidential out of respect for her privacy, the current situation makes it pertinent. I knew it could be strategically useful."

Sawyer's lips curled into a calculated smile. "You've done well, Avery. This information will be invaluable in destabilizing MJ and manipulating her decisions. But we need to handle it with care. We don't want to push her too far, too fast."

Avery nodded, her resolve hardening. "I understand. We need to ensure MJ feels cornered enough to act in a way that benefits us, but not so overwhelmed that she breaks down completely."

Sawyer's eyes gleamed with ambition. "Precisely. Our goal is to force her into a position where leaving is her only option. This will give us control over the situation and the leverage we need."

Avery's heart raced, but she maintained her composure. "I'll make sure MJ remains in Switzerland and doesn't return to the Philippines. I'll apply the necessary pressure."

Avery arrived in Zurich, the cold European air biting at her cheeks as she approached MJ's hotel suite. She had arranged for the meeting as quickly as possible, knowing the urgency of the situation. The suite was elegant but felt stark and isolating, a reflection of MJ's current emotional state.

MJ was standing by the window, her silhouette a picture of solitude against the gray, overcast sky. Her face was pale, and her eyes carried the weight of the recent scandal and personal turmoil.

"Avery," MJ said, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and suspicion. "I didn't expect you to come. I'm overwhelmed right now."

Avery forced a reassuring smile as she entered the room. "I'm here to support you, MJ. I know things are difficult, and I want to help you navigate through this."