Chapter 3
Julian collapsed sideways onto the marble floor, his strength completely vanishing under the revelation.
Chloe’s defiant facade shattered into sharp pieces of sheer, unadulterated panic.
"She's lying!" Chloe yelled, her voice straining as she looked around the room for allies.
"She's trying to frame us so she can inherit the entire Sterling enterprise!"
Edward snapped his gold pocket watch shut with a sharp, metallic click that signaled the end of debate.
"Take Chloe and Julian to the upper penthouse holding room," Edward ordered the security team.
"And bring Miss Elena her velvet cloak immediately."
Two guards stepped forward, grabbing Chloe by her elbows despite her furious kicking and screaming.
"Let go of me, you peasants!" Chloe roared as she was dragged past the horrified gala guests.
"My father is a United States Senator! You will all rot in prison for this!"
The second pair of guards hauled Julian up from the floor, his charcoal suit ruined with dust and tears.
He didn't fight back; he hung his head like a condemned man walking toward the gallows.
Edward gently wrapped a dark black velvet cloak around Elena’s bare, bruised shoulders.
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"You endured enough pain tonight, my dear," Edward whispered, his tone softening only for her.
"Now, we finish what your father started ten years ago."
