Chapter 3 - The Ambush in the Grand Hall
The Maybach pulled into the circular driveway of the Vance estate. Through the massive glass windows, Julian could see the grand hall swarming with the elite members of his corporate board, sipping champagne as if attending a gala.
“Stay in the car with the kids,” Julian told Clara, his voice dangerously calm.
“No,” Clara said firmly, gripping his hand. “I am your wife. We face this together.”
With her head held high, Clara walked into the mansion alongside Julian, the three children trailing nervously behind them. The moment they entered, the room went dead silent.
Eleanor Vance stood on the grand staircase, wearing a triumphant, wicked smirk. Beside her stood a greasy, rough-looking man in a cheap suit—Rick.
“Ah, the happy couple arrives,” Eleanor announced, her voice echoing off the marble walls. “Julian, I’m so glad you’re here. Because this man has a very interesting story about your new bride.”
Rick stepped forward, looking smug. “Hey, Clara. Long time no see. I’m here for my kids.”
Gasps rippled through the board members. Clara turned deathly pale.
“That’s right,” Eleanor declared. “This man is the father of Clara’s illegitimate children. She’s a fraud, Julian! A lying, manipulative scam artist trying to pawn another man’s mistakes off on you!”
Julian didn't shout. He didn't lose his temper. He calmly reached into his tailored jacket, pulled out a sleek folder, and tossed it onto the grand mahogany table in the center of the hall.
“Marcus, my mother's secretary, has a gambling problem,” Julian said smoothly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “He sold out your little plot for fifty thousand dollars this morning.”
Eleanor froze.
“Inside that folder,” Julian continued, addressing the board, “are the birth certificates for Tommy, Leo, and Maya Hayes. They list their parents as Robert and Martha Hayes. Clara’s parents. These children are her siblings, whom she has single-handedly raised and protected from an abusive foster system.”
Julian turned his piercing gaze to Rick. “And you. You’re a local meth dealer with a rap sheet a mile long, paid fifty grand by my mother to lie. My security team has already forwarded your wire transfer records to the FBI for extortion.”
Rick’s smug expression vanished. He bolted for the door, only to be immediately tackled and subdued by Julian’s private security.
Julian looked up at his mother. “You have thirty minutes to pack your bags, Eleanor. You are no longer welcome in this house, and you are officially removed from the board of Vance Enterprises.”
Eleanor shrieked, descending the stairs in a rage, but security blocked her path. The board members looked on in stunned silence.
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Clara stood beside Julian, her heart soaring. For the first time in her life, someone was fighting for her. Julian pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist, and looked down at the three wide-eyed children.
“Welcome home, kids,” Julian smiled.
