Chapter 3 - The Ascent
Harrison stepped forward, glaring down at Vanessa as if she were a piece of dirt on his shoe.
“Who is this insect?” Harrison asked, his voice echoing loudly in the quiet lobby.
“Julian’s assistant,” I replied coldly.
“She was just about to have security throw me out.”
Sebastian finally turned his head to look at Vanessa.
The pure, concentrated malice in his expression made her physically shrink away.
“If you ever speak to my sister again, I will personally ensure you never find employment on this continent,” Sebastian stated.
Vanessa opened her mouth to apologize, but no sound came out.
She was paralyzed by absolute fear.
“Let’s go upstairs,” I said, taking Lily’s hand.
“I have a banquet to attend.”
Sebastian nodded, gesturing for his security team to lead the way.
We bypassed the velvet ropes and walked directly toward the private VIP elevators.
The hotel staff scrambled out of our way, terrified to even make eye contact with the Sterling brothers.
The elevator doors closed, carrying us up to the grand ballroom on the top floor.
The ride was silent, but the tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.
Harrison pulled out a sleek tablet and began typing furiously.
“Julian’s corporate accounts are entirely dependent on our shell companies,” Harrison muttered, his eyes glued to the screen.
“I am lining up the liquidation orders right now.”
“Burn it all to the ground,” Sebastian agreed smoothly.
The elevator chimed softly, signaling our arrival at the penthouse level.
The heavy golden doors slid open.
I could hear the sound of polite applause and a string quartet playing in the distance.
We walked down the corridor, flanked by the men in black suits.
At the end of the hall, massive mahogany double doors stood closed, guarding the banquet.
I let go of Lily’s hand for a moment and handed her to Sebastian.
May you like
“Hold her,” I instructed my brother.
I wanted to open these doors myself.
