Chapter 4 - The Gaslighting Campaign
The next morning, Julian’s phone was a war zone of notifications.
He ignored the texts and focused on making Mia a massive stack of chocolate chip pancakes. They watched cartoons in their pajamas, a stark and wonderful contrast to the stiff, formal mornings at the Sterling estate. But when his father, Arthur Sterling—a man who rarely spoke unless it was to command a boardroom—called, Julian stepped out onto the balcony to answer.
"Julian," Arthur’s voice boomed. "This tantrum of yours is unacceptable. You upset your mother terribly. She had palpitations all night."
"If she’s having palpitations, she should see a cardiologist, not call me," Julian replied coldly. "I told you my terms. A full, groveling apology to Mia, or we are done."
"Apologize to a child? For a misunderstanding?" Arthur scoffed. "You are overreacting. You burst in, threatened Sarah’s husband, and stormed out like a madman. We accepted the girl into our home—"
"She is my daughter, not a charity case you 'accepted'!" Julian snapped.
"Listen to me," Arthur’s tone turned menacing. "You are embarrassing this family. The country club gala is next week. You will attend, you will bring the girl, and you will act like nothing happened. If you don't, I will have the board of our trust review your standing. You forget who holds the purse strings of the family estate."
May you like
Julian let out a dark, humorless laugh. "You forget, Father, I made my own money. I don't need the trust. But if you want to play dirty, let's play. If you try to force my hand, I will go public with exactly why I walked out."
He hung up, blocking his father's number. The battle lines were drawn. They thought they could bully him into compliance to maintain their perfect society image. They had no idea who they were dealing with.
