Chapter 3: The Domos of Falling Cards
Within thirty minutes of being forcibly escorted out of Maison de L'Élite by security, Richard’s phone began ringing violently. The caller ID displayed his father’s name: Arthur Sterling. Richard answered with shaking hands, holding the device to his ear as he stood on the crowded sidewalk, Chloe sobbing hysterically beside him.
"What did you do, you absolute fool?!" Arthur’s voice roared through the speaker, so loud that even Chloe could hear it over the city traffic. "I just received a formal termination notice from the executive board of the Vance Luxury Group! Our stock is tanking in after-hours trading! They’ve canceled the mega-mall lease!"
"Father, it was a mistake! There was a woman in a plain white blazer, she looked like a nobody, and Chloe said—"
"You ruined our family legacy over a shopping dispute?!" Arthur screamed. "Fix it, Richard! If you don't get Director Vance to rescind that cancellation by tomorrow morning, I will personally strip you of your inheritance and remove you from the board! You are dead to this family!"
The line went dead. Richard stared at his phone, his world completely collapsing around him. He turned to Chloe, his previous affection replaced by pure, unadulterated rage. "This is your fault! Your stupid pride, your pathetic need to look down on people! Look what you've done to us!"
Meanwhile, inside the calm sanctuary of the boutique's private VIP lounge, Vivienne Vance sipped a cup of black tea, reviewing spreadsheet data on her tablet. To her, the incident was already minor background noise. She had spent a decade building an empire based on merit, discretion, and quiet power. She despised the loud, aggressive display of wealth that people like Chloe exhibited.
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Harrison knocked gently on the door and entered. "Director Vance, Julian is waiting for you downstairs in the executive vehicle. Also... Mr. Richard Sterling and Miss Dumont are currently begging the security team at the back entrance to let them see you. They look desperate."
Vivienne didn't look up from her screen. "Let them wait in the rain, Harrison. Arrogance is a luxury they can no longer afford. However, keep a close eye on Sterling Real Estate's market movements. When their stock drops another fifteen percent tomorrow, instruct our acquisition division to launch a hostile takeover. I believe their downtown properties would make excellent public parks and community art centers."
