PART 2: THE CRASH ON THE TOP FLOOR
Chloe’s smug smile began to fade slightly as she watched the complete calm on my face. Before she could call security, the private executive elevator dinged, opening directly behind us.
My twin brothers, Julian and Alexander Sterling, stepped out in tailor-made suits, surrounded by four senior legal council members. Chloe gasped as the lobby guards immediately dropped their heads in deference to the actual owners of the building.
Julian took my daughter’s hand with a gentle smile, while Alexander handed me a sleek black leather tablet displaying live corporate accounts. “Every credit line tied to the Sterling Trust was frozen thirty seconds ago, Viv,” Alexander said softly, his voice carrying over the dead-silent lobby.
Without waiting for Chloe to recover her breath, I stepped past her and entered the private elevator, ascending straight to the grand ballroom on the top floor. The doors opened to reveal a opulent hall lit by crystal chandeliers, filled with hundreds of high-profile investors and industry leaders.
Standing at the center stage under a banner reading CEO OF THE YEAR was Dominic, holding a champagne glass with a glamorous woman and a seven-year-old boy by his side. He was laughing, introducing them to the main board members as his “devoted family” while the room applauded.
My heel clicked sharply against the marble floor as I walked straight down the central aisle, my daughter held securely in my arm. The crowd parted, recognizing the sudden aura of cold authority radiating through the room.
When Dominic turned and caught sight of me, his champagne glass slipped from his fingers, shattering across the polished floor.
(The true extent of Dominic’s betrayal is about to be laid bare! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
