Chapter 3: The Reality Check
"This is impossible!" Julian’s voice cracked, the polished veneer of the corporate shark shattering completely. He lunged forward, but Marcus immediately stepped between them, an imposing wall of tailored black wool and unyielding loyalty.
"The shell companies you used to court the board members, Julian?" Eleanor said, her voice echoing coldly in the lavish room. "I bought them. Every single one. While you were distracted with expensive dinners and cheap affairs, I was auditing the books. I know about the offshore accounts. I know about the embezzlement."
Chloe shrank back, her crimson dress suddenly looking less like a statement of power and more like a massive red flag. "Julian," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What is she talking about? You said you had everything under control."
"Shut up, Chloe," Julian hissed, his eyes darting frantically around the room as if searching for a loophole in the ornate wallpaper. He looked back at Eleanor, attempting a desperate, placating smile. "Eleanor, honey, let’s be reasonable. We built this together. We can talk about this."
"We built nothing together," Eleanor corrected him softly. "My father founded Vance Enterprises. You merely married into it and tried to hollow it out." She gave Marcus a subtle nod.
Marcus retrieved a sleek black radio from his inside pocket. "Security to the main parlor. We have two trespassers requiring immediate escort off the premises."
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"You can't do this! I have rights!" Julian shouted, his composure entirely gone as two burly security guards in dark suits jogged into the room.
"Your rights ended the moment you laid a hand on me," Eleanor said, turning her back to him. "Your luggage will be boxed and sent to whatever address you can afford. Goodbye, Julian."
