Chapter 7
I stood at the podium, looking down at the crowd of power brokers, politicians, and the family who had abused me.
Julian was frozen in the front row, his mouth slightly open, his face twisted in absolute, unadulterated disbelief.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” I began, my voice clear, steady, and commanding through the surround-sound speakers.
“For eight years, I have operated Sterling Investment Group from behind the scenes, allowing others to act as the public face.”
“I believed in quiet hard work, supporting those who claimed they wanted to build something meaningful.”
“However, when leadership loses its integrity, its humility, and its honor... intervention becomes necessary.”
I looked straight into Julian’s eyes, watching his chest rise and fall in rapid, panicked breaths.
“Tonight, Sterling Investment Group is announcing the complete acquisition of Harrison Global Real Estate.”
The room murmured with excitement, believing it was the massive partnership Julian had been bragging about all week.
May you like
Julian let out a ragged breath of relief, forcing a weak, desperate smile as he looked up at me.
“However,” I continued, my voice dropping into a razor-sharp tone, “this is not a partnership.”
