Chapter 5 - The Price of a NameJulian walked toward Clara.
She instinctively stepped backward.
"I don't need you to defend me," she said.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"I know."
That answer surprised her.
He wasn't trying to make her feel helpless.
He was acknowledging that she had already defended herself.
Julian turned toward Vanessa.
"You threatened her employment."
Vanessa crossed her arms.
"She insulted me."
"You insulted yourself."
Someone in the crowd gasped.
Julian continued.
"Tonight was supposed to celebrate Mrs. Gable's seventy-fifth birthday."
He looked around the ballroom.
"Instead, everyone witnessed what happens when entitlement is mistaken for character."
Vanessa's face reddened.
"You wouldn't destroy everything over a waitress."
Julian's expression became almost emotionless.
"No."
He paused.
"I would destroy everything over cruelty."
Vanessa's lips parted.
Julian pulled out his phone.
He made one call.
"Blacklist her from every Sterling property."
Vanessa stared at him.
"You can't be serious."
Julian ended the call.
May you like
"I am."
For the first time in her life, Vanessa understood what it meant to stand on the wrong side of power.
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