Chapter 15 - FALL OF AN EMPIRE
Arthur Sterling collapsed to his knees as federal agents slapped steel handcuffs around his wrists.
"You're making a mistake!" Arthur screamed as he was dragged across the stage past flashbulbs and news reporters. "Julian Vance is crazy!"
Julian stood at the podium, looking out over the chaotic room, feeling a massive weight lift off his chest.
Emily walked up beside him, keeping a discreet distance as journalists shouted questions from the floor.
"Mr. Vance! Is it true that your life was saved by your housemaid?" a reporter called out.
"Who is she, Mr. Vance?" another shouted.
Julian looked at Emily, his expression full of gratitude and unspoken emotion.
"She isn't just a housemaid," Julian announced clearly into the microphone. "She is the Vice President of Security for Vance Global."
Emily’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she maintained her dignified posture.
An hour later, the auditorium was cleared, leaving only Julian and Emily standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan.
"Vice President of Security?" Emily asked with a faint smile. "That's quite a promotion."
"You earned it ten times over," Julian said, stepping closer to her. "You saved my life, Emily."
"I was just doing my duty to your family," she replied softly, looking down at her hands.
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"No," Julian insisted gently, taking her hand in his. "It was more than duty. I felt it."
Emily looked up into his eyes, her heart racing faster than it ever had during any gunfight.
