Chapter 2: The Lethal Arrival
Suddenly, the massive iron gates at the entrance of the estate swung open with a heavy, metallic groan.
The mocking chatter of the crowd died down instantly as a towering figure stepped confidently through the grand floral arch. He didn't look like a janitor. He didn't look like anyone who belonged in the background of a mansion. He wore a flawless, bespoke midnight-blue Brioni suit, his posture radiating a cold, lethal authority that commanded the entire courtyard. It was Marcus Vance.
Julian’s smirk froze. His eyes widened to the size of saucers, and his hand shook so violently that his crystal champagne glass slipped from his fingers. It plummeted to the stone floor, shattering with a loud, echoing crack that cut through the silence of the reception like a gunshot.
Julian didn't care about the spilled wine. His face turned ghostly pale, the color draining entirely from his skin until he looked like a corpse in a tuxedo. He lunged forward, grabbing Chloe’s arm with a trembling, uncontrollable grip.
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"Shut up!" Julian whispered in absolute terror, his voice cracking as he pulled his bride back. "Shut up right now, Chloe! That’s not a janitor... that’s Marcus Vance. The man who owns your father’s logistics company, the bank holding our mortgages, and the entire shipping syndicate!"
Chloe’s triumphant smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a dead, suffocating shock. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the man walking directly toward their VIP table.
