Chapter 10 - The Reckoning Begins
"Julian," Seraphina’s voice echoed through the microphone, smooth as glass and sharp as a scalpel. "I see you received my invitation."
Julian felt his knees weaken. The sheer presence she radiated was terrifying. This was not the woman who brought him tea in the study. This was an apex predator.
"Seraphina," Julian started, his voice cracking. He tried to step forward, but two massive security guards instantly blocked his path. "Please. Can we talk in private?"
"Private?" Seraphina tilted her head, feigning confusion. "But you were so fond of public displays last night, darling. You wanted everyone to know who held the whip. I thought it only fitting to return the favor."
A ripple of low laughter echoed through the crowd of billionaires.
Beatrice pushed past Julian, her pride refusing to completely die. "You deceitful little snake," she hissed. "You manipulated us! You lied about who you were to entrap my son!"
Seraphina descended three steps, her eyes locking onto Beatrice. "Entrap? Beatrice, I paid off fourteen million dollars of your husband’s hidden gambling debts just to keep you out of federal prison. I kept the lights on in that mausoleum you called a home. My only deception was letting you believe you were important."
The crowd gasped. Whispers erupted. Beatrice’s carefully curated image as a philanthropist was being shredded on live, high-society television.
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"Now," Seraphina said, her gaze returning to Julian. "I believe you owe me an apology. And I recall very specific instructions on how it was to be delivered."
Julian looked around. The entire financial world was watching him. Waiting.
