Chapter 3 - The Penthouse
The police arrived within three minutes.
They dragged a sobbing, screaming Vanessa Sterling out of the luxury hotel in handcuffs.
The wealthy guests watched in stunned, terrified silence.
They realized a new queen had claimed the throne, and she was ruthless.
Charlotte did not stop to celebrate.
She turned to Elias, wiping the last bit of dried blood from her chin.
"Lock down the building," Charlotte ordered.
"No executive leaves this hotel tonight."
Elias nodded, immediately pulling out a secure radio to command the building's internal security team.
Charlotte walked toward the private, gold-plated elevator reserved strictly for the Solmere CEO.
Julian Vance scrambled forward, blocking her path with a desperate, sweaty smile.
"Charlotte! I mean, Miss Vale!" Julian stammered, holding his hands up.
"I had no idea it was you."
"I would have never let Vanessa treat you that way."
Charlotte looked at him with absolute disgust.
"You stood there and watched a woman be assaulted, Julian," she said coldly.
"Your character has always been pathetic."
"But your loyalty is what I am questioning today."
Julian swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"I am fiercely loyal to the Vale family, I swear it!"
"We will see about that," Charlotte replied.
"You are fired."
"Security, escort Mr. Vance to the street without his coat or his wallet."
Julian screamed in protest as he was violently hauled away by the same guards he had commanded yesterday.
Charlotte stepped into the golden elevator, and Elias followed closely behind her.
The doors closed, shutting out the chaos of the lobby.
"Take me to the penthouse," Charlotte said, leaning against the mirrored wall.
"We have a rat to catch, Elias."
"Your uncle has taken full control of the boardroom during your absence," Elias warned her.
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"Arthur Vale is convinced you died in that car crash in Switzerland."
"Then we are going to give my dear uncle the shock of his miserable life," Charlotte promised.
