Chapter 6: The Lion's Den on Wall Street
Julian Vance’s penthouse office in the Financial District overlooked the Manhattan skyline like a conqueror surveying his empire. When Clara was ushered in, the chaotic noise of the city vanished, replaced by the humming silence of absolute power. Julian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, nursing a glass of scotch, despite it being barely noon.
"Vanessa’s father, Richard Sterling, is assembling a crisis PR team," Julian said without turning around. His voice was a low, resonant baritone that sent a strange shiver down Clara’s spine. "They plan to spin the narrative. They will drag your name through the mud, Ms. Hayes. They will say you provoked her. They will dig into your past, your finances, your family."
Clara stiffened. "I don't have anything to hide. But I also don't have a PR firm on retainer, Mr. Vance."
Julian finally turned, his piercing gray eyes locking onto hers. "You do now." He walked toward his massive mahogany desk and pushed a thick file toward her. "I don't let the people who protect my family suffer for their bravery. Mrs. Gable is my adoptive mother. She took me in when I was a stray kid in the foster system. What you did last night... you bought my eternal loyalty."
Before Clara could process the gravity of his words, the intercom buzzed. "Mr. Vance, Richard Sterling is here. He’s demanding a meeting."
"Send him in," Julian said, his eyes never leaving Clara's. "Stay right here, Clara. Let me show you how we deal with bullies in this tax bracket."
Richard Sterling burst into the room, his face purple with rage. "You ruined my daughter, Julian! You canceled our supply contracts! You blacklisted her from the Met Gala!"
May you like
"I did," Julian replied, his voice terrifyingly calm. "And if you speak to me in that tone again, Richard, I won’t just blacklist your daughter. I will hostile-takeover your entire holding company by Friday. Now, apologize to the woman your daughter assaulted."
Richard stared at Clara, choking on his own pride. The power dynamics in the room shifted so violently Clara could almost hear the snap.
