Chapter 3 - Whispers Over The Polished Marble
Julian turned his glaring eyes toward Maya, leaning in close enough for her to smell the expensive cologne and bourbon on his breath.
“You have no idea who I am, do you?” Julian whispered viciously, keeping his voice below the ambient room noise.
“My father owns twenty percent of the commercial real estate in Cook County,” he sneered. “I can have you blacklisted from every establishment in Illinois by midnight.”
Maya slowly turned her head toward him, her silver name tag catching the warm overhead chandelier light.
“Your father’s holding company was subpoenaed by the Northern District of Illinois three days ago, Mr. Vance,” Maya said quietly, her voice smooth and devoid of fear.
Julian froze, his sarcastic smile vanishing as if struck by an invisible whip.
“What did you say?” he demanded, taking a half-step back.
“I said you should spend less time knocking over glassware and more time talking to your family’s defense attorneys,” she added.
Across the dining room, Marcus Callahan observed the quiet exchange with keen interest, leaning his chin against his hand.
He raised a single finger toward his lead bodyguard, a giant named Knox.
Knox immediately stepped forward, his heavy shoes tapping against the marble until he stood directly between Julian and Maya.
“Mr. Callahan suggests you step outside to compose yourself, sir,” Knox stated, his voice flat and unyielding.
May you like
Julian looked at the massive guard, then at Marcus, and finally back at Maya with pure, unadulterated hatred.
“This isn’t over,” Julian muttered, pulling his black suit jacket straight before turning on his heel and exiting through the heavy double doors.
