Chapter 4 - The Angry Father
News of the lobby incident spread through the elite circles of the city faster than a wildfire.
By three o'clock that afternoon, a sleek black Maybach pulled up aggressively to the valet stand of the Grand Azure.
Richard Vance, Chloe's father, stormed through the revolving glass doors with the fury of a hurricane.
He was a man accustomed to buying his way out of his daughter's numerous scandals.
He carried a leather briefcase that usually held enough hush money to make any problem disappear.
"Where is Julian Sterling?!" Richard barked at the terrified concierge behind the front desk.
Before the clerk could answer, the private elevator chimed, and Julian stepped out, flanked by his executive team.
"You're making a scene in my lobby, Richard," Julian said, checking his watch with an air of complete boredom.
Richard marched up to the young billionaire, jabbing a thick, angry finger in his direction.
"You threw my daughter out onto the street like a common criminal!" he roared.
"She is a fragile girl, and you humiliated her over some misunderstanding with a janitor!"
Julian's expression remained dangerously impassive.
"She attempted to assault my grandfather, Richard."
The older man waved his hand dismissively, as if the physical safety of an elderly man was completely irrelevant.
"I'll write the old man a check for ten grand right now, and we can put this entire ridiculous saga behind us."
He slammed his briefcase onto the marble desk and popped the golden latches.
Julian actually laughed, a dark, humorless sound that echoed ominously in the large space.
"You think you can buy my grandfather's dignity with pocket change?" Julian asked softly.
"Let me make this perfectly clear to you, Richard."
Julian stepped closer, invading the older man's personal space and forcing him to look up slightly.
"Your contract with Sterling Enterprises was officially terminated an hour ago."
"I have already instructed my legal team to sever all business ties, partnerships, and investments with Vance Industries."
Richard's face went completely pale, his bluster vanishing in an instant.
Losing the Sterling accounts wouldn't just hurt his business; it would bankrupt his entire empire.
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"You can't do this over a spilled drink!" Richard gasped, panic finally setting in.
"Watch me," Julian whispered.
