Chapter 3: The Fall of Marcus Hayes
Harrison stepped closer.
“Let me clarify something for everyone here,” he said.
“Hayes Capital Development does not exist without Van Allen financing.”
A pause.
“A financing that ends… tonight.”
Silence exploded.
Marcus’s voice cracked. “You can’t—contracts—”
“Are very clear,” Harrison said. “And very fragile when trust is broken.”
One of the board members stepped forward, handing Marcus a document.
“I’m afraid several partners have already withdrawn,” he added.
Phones began lighting up across the ballroom.
Emails.
Alerts.
Stock notifications.
Deals collapsing in real time.
Khloe stepped back.
“What’s happening?”
No one answered her.
Because she wasn’t important enough anymore.
Marcus looked at Elara—desperate now.
“Elara… please. Talk to him.”
She held his gaze.
For the first time in years—
She felt nothing.
May you like
“I did,” she said quietly.
“For eight years.”
