Chapter 2 - Shadows of the Past
"Get out," Julian said, his voice terrifyingly calm. The warmth that usually filled his deep tone was completely gone, replaced by an icy finality. Victoria sneered, assuming it was a temporary outburst born from stress, but Julian did not stutter. He summoned security immediately, ordering them to escort Victoria off the Vance estate and revoke every access card, key, and privilege she possessed.
As guards escorted a fuming Victoria toward the gates, Julian lowered himself to the floor beside Clara. Tenderly, he offered his hand, helping the bruised young woman to her feet. He called for the family physician right away, assuring Clara that she was safe, that her job was secure, and that she would never have to face such terror again. Clara wept with relief, holding a ice pack to her face while keeping a watchful, loving eye on little Leo, who refused to let go of her apron.
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Unbeknownst to Julian, Victoria’s departure from the gates was not the end of her reign. Sitting in the back of her luxury sedan, she wiped away her fake tears and pulled out a burner phone. She dialed a number she had sworn never to call unless everything fell apart—Marcus Sterling, Julian’s main business rival and a powerful board member at Vance Enterprises.
Victoria’s voice turned calculating and razor-sharp as she spoke into the receiver. She offered Marcus inside access to Julian’s private financial documents and family affairs in exchange for legal backing and a ruinous media campaign. She was determined to tear down the empire Julian had built, destroy Clara’s reputation, and claim full custody of Leo for the massive trust fund attached to the boy's name.
