Chapter 7 - The Fall of the King
The security guards held Julian firmly in his seat as he thrashed and cursed, his polished corporate image completely shattered into a million pieces.
"Get your hands off me!" Julian roared, spraying spit across the mahogany table. He glared across at me with sheer, burning hatred. "Nora! You think you've won?! Vance Global is built on my connections, my genius! Without me, this company will burn to the ground in a week!"
"Julian," I said calmly, not even blinking as I picked up a sleek silver pen from the table and tapped it gently against my folder. "You always underestimated everyone around you. You thought I was just a quiet trophy wife who gave up her career for your convenience. You forgot that before I met you, I graduated at the top of my class in corporate law and financial restructuring from Wharton."
Julian stopped thrashing for a split second, his jaw dropping in sudden, horrified realization.
"Surprise," I smiled coldly. "I didn't give up my career, Julian. I just paused it while you did all the heavy lifting of building the empire that I am now legally taking over."
David Vance stepped forward, holding up a pristine white document. "Furthermore, Mr. Vance, in addition to the corporate takeover, we have just filed formal criminal charges for attempted murder, domestic violence, and financial fraud. The police are waiting in the executive lobby right now."
As if on cue, the heavy glass doors of the boardroom swung open.
Detective Miller and two uniformed officers stepped inside, their polished boots clicking sharply against the marble floor. They walked straight up to Julian’s chair.
"Julian Vance," Detective Miller announced, his voice echoing authoritatively through the massive boardroom. "You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Nora Vance, aggravated assault, and corporate conspiracy. Stand up and put your hands behind your back."
Julian looked around the room, desperately seeking support from the board members. But every single executive at the table turned their faces away, refusing to make eye contact with a man who was now corporate poison.
Defeated, broken, and utterly humiliated, Julian slowly stood up. The heavy steel handcuffs clicked into place around his wrists—the exact same sound Selina had heard hours earlier.
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As the officers hauled him toward the elevators, Julian turned his head back one last time, his eyes burning with despair. "Nora... please. We were married. Have mercy."
"Mercy?" I whispered softly to myself as the elevator doors slid shut, swallowing him whole. "You didn't have mercy on me, or the two lives I carry inside me."
