Chapter 5 - Bloodlines and Balance SheetsBy 8:00 AM on Monday, the gossip columns were ablaze. Leaked smartphone clips of the slap had gone viral on social platforms, capturing Evelyn crashing into the mirror and Claire’s chilling parting line: “You slapped my son at a wedding I paid for.”
The public reaction was instantaneous. Instead of framing Claire as a villain, millions rallied behind the protective mother standing against an entitled elite.
At 9:30 AM, Claire stepped out of the elevator into the glass-walled boardroom of Clearwater Capital. Marcus was already waiting with two dozen folders.
"The manor's billing department defaulted the reception costs directly to Evelyn Vance's personal account at 12:01 AM," Marcus reported calmly. "Her credit card was declined. The estate owners have placed a commercial lien on her summer home."
Claire took a sip of black tea. "And Julian?"
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"Julian arrived downstairs thirty minutes ago. He’s in the lobby, begging for ten minutes."
Claire looked out the panoramic window overlooking the city skyline. "Send him up. But leave the door wide open."
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