Chapter 5 - Confronting the treacherous groom inside the dimly lit drawing room where secrets of betrayal and corporate greed threaten to destroy an entire family dynasty.
The crystal chandelier overhead cast a cold, flickering light across the mahogany paneling of the mansion's private drawing room.
Julian sat in a leather armchair by the fireplace, swirling amber scotch in a crystal tumbler with feigned nonchalance.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt, though his collar button was undone in a show of false ease.
As Arthur stepped silently into the room, Julian forced a warm, welcoming smile that failed to reach his nervous eyes.
"Arthur! We were worried sick; we thought Evelyn had locked herself in the east wing after the argument," Julian said smoothly.
Arthur did not answer right away; he walked slowly toward the fireplace, his boots clicking rhythmically against the Persian rug.
He stopped just feet away from Julian, his distinguished silver hair catching the amber glow of the leaping flames.
"You called an emergency board meeting behind my back, sold three million shares of company stock, and tried to break my daughter," Arthur stated flatly.
Julian’s smile vanished instantly, the crystal tumbler slipping slightly in his hand and spilling a drop of scotch.
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"I don't know what kind of paranoid nonsense Evelyn has been feeding you, Arthur, but we're about to be married," Julian defended.
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