Chapter 15 - The Matriarch's Verdict
Eleanor stepped onto the dusty factory floor, her heels clicking sharply against the concrete. She looked completely out of place in her designer tailored suit, but the aura of absolute power radiating from her silenced the entire room.
Marcus lowered his gun, trembling. Victoria stared at her, defiant but visibly shaken.
"Mother," Julian called down from the catwalk, utterly bewildered.
"Be quiet, Julian, the adults are handling this," Eleanor snapped without looking up. She turned her icy gaze to Victoria. "You stupid, arrogant child. Did you honestly believe you could operate a hit squad in my city without my knowledge?"
"Julian belongs to me, Eleanor!" Victoria screamed, losing her composure. "We were supposed to merge our empires! That school teacher ruined everything!"
Eleanor sighed, waving her hand dismissively. "Your father’s empire is built on subprime loans and debt. The Vanderbilts do not merge with trash. And we certainly do not allow our bloodline to be threatened."
Eleanor looked at one of her guards. "Take Mr. Marcus's weapon."
The guard swiftly disarmed Marcus, forcing him to his knees.
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"Wait, Eleanor, please!" Marcus begged, sobbing. "I can fix this! I have files on Victoria’s father! I can give you the Sterling empire!"
"I already have it," Eleanor said coldly. She turned back to Victoria. "You tried to murder my grandchild, Victoria. That is an insult I cannot forgive."
