CHAPTER 2: SECRETS IN THE SHADOWS
Chaos consumed the ballroom.
Men who once begged for Victoria’s approval were now stepping away from her like she carried a disease. Women whispered behind trembling hands. Cameras—hidden, discreet, ever-present—were suddenly very real.
Victoria turned to Julian, desperation replacing dominance. “You have to fix this. Call someone. Call anyone!”
But Julian didn’t move.
He was staring at Elena like he’d never seen her before.
“Who are you?” he asked quietly.
That’s when Elena finally turned to him.
And for the first time that night… there was softness in her eyes.
“I’m the truth you were never allowed to see.”
Before he could respond, two agents approached Victoria.
“Victoria Sterling, you are under investigation for financial fraud, international laundering, and corporate conspiracy.”
“You have no proof!” Victoria snapped, clinging to her last thread of control.
Elena stepped forward.
May you like
“They don’t need the vault,” she said. “I already made a copy.”
Victoria’s knees buckled.
