Chapter 8 - The Price of Arrogance
Before Julian’s fingers could wrap around the wooden handle of the display gun, Marcus moved with blinding efficiency. A single strike from the security chief’s forearm caught Julian across the collarbone, sending him sprawling over the edge of the marble table, directly into the pool of spilled wine and glass shards.
Julian cried out in pain as the sharp crystals bit into his palms and knees, mimicking the exact humiliation he had inflicted upon Claire moments earlier.
""Don't touch him, Marcus,"" Arthur commanded calmly, stepping forward until he stood directly over the fallen man.
Julian rolled onto his side, clutching his bleeding hand, looking up with genuine terror. ""Arthur, please. Let's talk about this like businessmen. The merger—""
""There is no merger,"" Arthur said coldly. He pulled a sleek fountain pen from his breast pocket and dropped it onto Julian’s chest. ""Every share Raymond Sterling held in Vance Logistics was shorted three hours ago through an overseas syndicate. By nine o'clock tomorrow morning, Sterling Holdings will face total liquidation. Your father is currently meeting with federal auditors regarding twelve counts of tax fraud Marcus handed over to the Department of Justice at dusk.""
Julian’s face went chalk white. ""You... you ruined us? Over this?""
""Over my daughter?"" Arthur’s voice lowered to an icy razor edge. ""I would burn the entire world to ash before I let a creature like you draw breath near her again. You thought she was alone. You thought because I remained in the background, she had no protector.""
Arthur bent down slightly, his cane supporting his weight, his eyes boring into Julian’s trembling soul.
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""Now,"" Arthur said, ""you will sign the unconditional divorce decree Marcus will deliver to your holding cell tomorrow. You will surrender every asset acquired during this marriage. And if you ever speak her name, look in her direction, or cross the perimeter of my estate, the law will not be invited to the resolution. Do you understand me?""
Julian could only manage a choked, terrified nod.
