Chapter 4 - The Price of Treason
""Julian, stop!"" Elena cried out, her pulse pounding in her throat.
Alexander didn't even flinch. He didn't turn around quickly; he merely took a slow sip from his glass, then turned his head sideways with mild amusement.
""Are you drawing a weapon in my home, Julian?"" Alexander asked, his voice deadpan. ""I knew your business acumen was lacking, but I never assumed you were suicidal.""
""You took her to humiliate me!"" Julian spat, taking a reckless step onto the terrace. His facade of high-society manners was cracking, revealing the desperate, insecure coward underneath. ""She's my wife! Her assets are my assets! Whatever game you're playing with the Sterling name, Alexander, Clara’s father already told me about it! I know who she is!""
The revelation hit Elena like a physical blow. Julian knew. He had always known about her father. All those years of pretending he loved her despite her lack of background—it was all a calculation. He was waiting for her to lead him to her father’s legacy.
""Clara’s father?"" Alexander chuckled darkly. ""Senator Ward? The man who orchestrated Arthur Sterling's murder? How touching. You sold your wife out to her father’s executioners for a few government contracts.""
Julian sneered, gesturing with his head. ""Take her. We're going home, Elena. You're signing the conservatorship papers tonight.""
The two private guards lunged forward.
Before they could close the distance, Alexander moved. With terrifying precision and speed, he grabbed the nearest guard's wrist, twisting it brutally until bone snapped with an audible pop. The guard screamed as Alexander slammed him into the marble column, rendering him unconscious in seconds. The second guard froze, terrified by the sheer ferocity of the billionaire.
Alexander adjusted his cuffs casually, stepping over the groaning man. He fixed Julian with a predatory glare.
""Julian Vance,"" Alexander said softly, ""from this moment on, your credit lines are frozen. Your company's shares will be shorted into oblivion by market opening tomorrow. And as for your marriage...""
Alexander reached into his inner pocket, pulled out a thick envelope, and tossed it at Julian’s feet.
""Those are sworn affidavits detailing your offshore embezzlement and your affair with Clara Ward. Try to touch Elena again, and I’ll have you sleeping in federal prison before noon.""
Julian stared at the envelope, trembling, his skin draining of all color. He looked at Elena, his eyes pleading. ""Elena... baby... you wouldn't do this to me. Think of our home!""
Elena looked at the man she had loved, the man who left her in the freezing night, and felt an icy resolve settle into her bones.
""Get out,"" she whispered.
Julian scrambled backward, terrified, and fled into the party.
May you like
Elena let out a shaky breath, slumping against the rail. But when Alexander turned back to her, there was no victory in his eyes.
""Pack your bags,"" he commanded. ""Julian just made a call on his way out. Ward's men know you're here.""
