Chapter 2
The ambient chatter of the high-society guests instantly evaporated into dead, choking silence.
In the background near the arched window, the framed US flag hung still and solemn under the recessed lights.
David blinked, suddenly unnerved by the terrifying calmness radiating from his kneeling wife.
"Get up off the floor before you make an even bigger fool of yourself," David ordered, his voice losing some of its edge.
"We have investors watching from the balcony."
Claire did not move immediately; she gently kissed the top of Maya's blonde pigtails.
"Maya, sweetheart, go with Aunt Sarah near the grand piano," Claire instructed softly, her voice steady and controlled.
The little girl sniffled, nodding tearfully as she scurried away from the ruined cake toward safety.
Only then did Claire stand up, her emerald green gown shimmering under the bright chandelier lights.
She stood taller than David expected, her posture rigid, her gaze locked onto his narrowing eyes.
"You think you hold all the cards because your name is on the company door, David," Claire said quietly.
"You think marrying into the Sterling family made you a king."
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David forced a condescending smirk, crossing his arms over his navy suit jacket.
"I built this firm from the ground up, Claire," David scoffed. "You were just a charity case my father took in."
