The stark white marble hallway stretched out near the entrance of the grand ballroom, glittering under massive crystal chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling. The sound of string instruments and low chatter drifted down the hall, but inside the narrow corridor, the air was thick with anger. Chloe stood firm against the cold wall, her posture straight despite the terrifying threats being thrown directly into her face. She looked Julian dead in the eye, refusing to show even a single drop of fear.
Julian: Keep your mouth shut, Chloe, or I will ruin you before the night ends.
Chloe: You don't get to threaten me anymore, Julian. Not after what you did to my father's estate.
Julian: Your father was weak, and his company belonged to Vance Enterprises the second he signed that mortgage contract.
Chloe felt her heart hammering against her ribs, but her voice remained sharp and clear. Her father had spent forty years building a respected family business, only for Julian to steal every single asset in a matter of weeks through fraudulent loans and pressure.
Chloe: He trusted you with the family business! You lied to him, forged his signature on the trust fund documents, and forced him into bankruptcy!
Julian: Proven nothing in court, sweetheart. You have zero leverage here.
Chloe: I have enough to tear down your entire campaign for Senate tonight.
Julian: Try it and see what happens to your life.
An American flag stood tall in the corner of the grand corridor, perfectly positioned for the upcoming political broadcast. Julian took one step closer, his shadow completely blotting out the warm light. Before Chloe could take another step or move away, Julian raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
The sharp, sudden sound echoed violently down the quiet marble hall. Chloe's head snapped to the side, her cheek instantly burning crimson under the harsh ceiling lights. She stumbled back an inch, placing a trembling hand against her burning face as the shock settled deep into her chest.
Chloe: You... you actually hit me.
Julian: That was a warning. Learn your place before I destroy whatever little reputation you have left.
Tears pooled at the edges of Chloe's eyes from the sudden sting, but her expression shifted almost immediately from utter shock to pure, burning fury. She did not cry, nor did she cower before him. Instead, she straightened her spine and gripped her crystal glass tighter.
Victoria: Julian, darling! What is taking so long? The board members and news crews are waiting for your speech!
Victoria stepped into the hallway wearing a massive, ornate black gown covered in dark gold embroidery. Her diamond necklace caught the light, and her expression instantly twisted into pure disgust the moment her eyes landed on Chloe standing near her son.
Victoria: Oh, look who snuck in. The ruined heiress begging for a handout.
Chloe: Shut up, Victoria.
Victoria: Excuse me? You don't speak to the future CEO's mother like that, you little nuisance.
Chloe did not hesitate for even a single second. She turned abruptly, gripped her heavy crystal glass, and hurled her red wine straight into Victoria's arrogant face. The dark red liquid splashed heavily across Victoria's expensive black dress, soaking the gold embroidery and leaving a massive, humiliating stain right down the front.
Victoria: My dress! You wretched girl! Julian, do something!
Julian turned toward Chloe, his eyes bulging with severe fury and utter disbelief at what had just happened in front of his eyes.
Julian: Are you insane?! You just ruined a fifty-thousand-dollar designer gown!
Chloe stepped forward menacingly, lifting her hand and locking her eyes onto Julian with cold, terrifying intensity that made him freeze in place.
Chloe: Touch me again... and you lose everything.