The statement hit James like ice water in his veins. "What are you talking about?"
"Surely you don't think I was the only one with concerns about your venture? The only one who might benefit from seeing it fail?"
Chad was enjoying this, James realized with growing horror. The revelation, the manipulation, the psychological torture of slowly destroying everything James held dear. This was entertainment for him.
"Who?" James demanded, though part of him dreaded the answer.
Chad's smile widened until it was almost predatory. "Why, your lovely girlfriend, of course. Victoria Sharp herself."
The words seemed to echo in James's mind, bouncing around like ricochets that left devastating wounds with each impact. He stared at Chad in complete disbelief, certain this was just another lie, another manipulation designed to destroy their relationship.
"You're lying," he said, but even as the words left his mouth, he could hear the uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"Am I?" Chad asked, clearly relishing James's confusion and pain. "Think about it logically. Who would benefit most from keeping you tied to Sharp Innovations? Who would be most threatened by your success and independence? Who has the connections and influence to sabotage your meetings just as effectively as I do?"
Each question was like a knife twisted deeper into James's chest. The horrible logic of it was undeniable, even as every fiber of his being rebelled against accepting it. Victoria loved him. She supported his dreams. She would never...
But even as he tried to convince himself, memories began surfacing unbidden. Victoria's occasional questions about whether he really planned to leave her company permanently. The way she would sometimes fall quiet when he talked about his post launch plans. Her insistence on reviewing every detail of his strategy, claiming it was just to help him succeed.
"She loves me," James said firmly, pushing the unwelcome thoughts aside. His voice carried absolute conviction. "Victoria has never been anything but supportive of my dreams. She believes in me and my vision."
"Does she?" Chad asked with mock gentleness. "Or does she love controlling you? Think about your relationship, James. Really think about it. Who makes the decisions? Who sets the boundaries? Who determines when and how you spend your time together? You may call it love, but from where I sit, it looks remarkably like ownership."
"You're wrong," James replied without hesitation, his faith in Victoria unshakeable despite Chad's psychological manipulation. "What Victoria and I have is real. It's built on trust, respect, and genuine love. Just because you can't understand that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."
The words were spoken with such unwavering certainty that Chad's expression flickered momentarily with what might have been doubt or frustration.
"I don't believe you," James said with absolute conviction, his trust in Victoria remaining unshaken despite everything Chad had revealed. "Victoria would never do something like that. You're lying to try to manipulate me, just like you've been lying about everything else."
Chad studied him for a moment, perhaps surprised by James's unwavering faith. "You really do love her, don't you? Even after everything I've just told you, you still trust her completely."
"Absolutely," James replied without hesitation. "Because I know who Victoria really is. I know her heart, her character, her integrity. Whatever game you're playing, Mr. Winters, it won't work. My relationship with Victoria isn't something you can destroy with lies and manipulation."
"You don't have to believe me," Chad replied with a shrug. "The evidence speaks for itself. Your failure speaks for itself. But I'll make you a deal. I'll call off my people, stop interfering with your investor meetings, and let you succeed or fail on your own merits. All you have to do is walk away from Victoria Sharp."
James stared at him in silence for a long moment, his mind reeling from the implications of everything he had just learned. Then, with great deliberation, he stood up from the table.
"Go to hell," he said quietly.
Chad's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes that might have been disappointment or respect. "I expected as much. You're stronger than I gave you credit for. But James..." He paused, letting the moment stretch. "Strength alone won't save your career. Or your relationship. The damage has already been done. The seeds of doubt have been planted. It's only a matter of time before they take root and grow."
James turned and walked away without another word, his legs feeling unsteady beneath him as he navigated through the restaurant and out into the cool evening air. Chad's parting words echoed in his mind, but his faith in Victoria remained absolute. Whatever Chad was trying to accomplish, it wouldn't work. James knew the woman he loved, and nothing Chad could say would change that.
The next morning brought another cancelled meeting, but this time James felt the full sting of disappointment and growing suspicion. Chad's revelations, while unbelievable when it came to Victoria's supposed involvement, had at least explained the coordinated nature of the rejections. He was operating with grim determination now, his mind focused on proving Chad wrong and salvaging his remaining opportunities.
He had one appointment remaining, a meeting with Blackstone Ventures that had been scheduled for weeks. It was his last real chance to salvage something from this trip, and he arrived at their offices with fierce determination, Chad's accusations about Victoria pushed firmly to the back of his mind where they belonged.
But even as he tried to maintain his faith in Victoria, a small part of him couldn't help but listen more carefully to the conversations around him, searching for any confirmation of Chad's claims.
The waiting room was elegant and professional, with sleek modern furniture and carefully curated artwork that spoke of serious money and sophisticated taste. James sat in one of the leather chairs, his presentation materials organized neatly beside him, his prototype gaming device charged and ready for demonstration.
Then he heard the raised voice coming from behind the closed conference room door.
"...sick and tired of these games!" The voice was male, older, with the kind of authority that suggested someone accustomed to being obeyed. "First it was Sharp Innovations calling with their concerns about market stability, and now Nexus Technologies is questioning our due diligence procedures. Just who the hell do they think they are?"
James felt the blood drain from his face as the implications of what he was hearing sank in. The voice continued, growing louder and more agitated.
"I don't care how much influence these companies think they have. We make our own investment decisions based on our own research and analysis. I'm not about to let some corporate bullies dictate our portfolio choices because they have personal vendettas against entrepreneurs who threaten their market position."