Chapter 8 - THE PARKING LOT CONFRONTATION
The late afternoon sun cast long, orange shadows across the university's main faculty parking lot.
Ethan carried Chloe's small duffel bag as they walked toward his battered silver sedan parked near the perimeter fence.
Just as they reached the car, a sleek black luxury sedan sped into the lot, tires screeching against the asphalt.
Richard and Eleanor stepped out of the vehicle, blocking their path with terrifying determination.
"You aren't going anywhere, young lady. Get in the car right now," Richard commanded, his voice shaking with restrained fury.
Chloe stepped behind Ethan's broad shoulders, her chin held high as she met her father's blazing glare.
"I am not going anywhere with you, Dad. We are completely done," Chloe said clearly, her voice echoing in the empty lot.
Eleanor stepped forward, her face twisted in absolute disgust as she looked at Ethan's modest car.
"You're going to throw away a multi-million-dollar inheritance for a penniless nobody driving a junker?" Eleanor sneered.
"Ethan has more integrity in his little finger than this entire family has in its corporate vaults," Chloe retorted sharply.
Richard took a menacing step forward, raising his hand as if he intended to repeat his actions from the graduation stage.
Ethan didn't hesitate, stepping directly into Richard's personal space and locking eyes with the older executive.
"I wouldn't try that again, Mr. Vance. There are campus police officers stationed fifty yards away," Ethan warned coldly.
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Richard lowered his hand slowly, his chest heaving with rage as he realized he had lost all physical and psychological control.
"You will regret this rebellion, Chloe. You'll be begging for scraps by the end of the month," Richard spat out venomously.
