Chapter 6 - The Beggar on the Doorstep
Two days later, a violent storm lashed the city. I was in my father's study reviewing the takeover documents when the estate gates buzzed.
Security called up. "Ms. Vance, Julian Sterling is at the front gate. He's on foot and demanding to speak with you."
"Let him walk up the driveway," I said. It was a half-mile walk in the pouring rain.
Twenty minutes later, Julian stood on my front porch, drenched, shivering, and looking pathetic. I opened the door, flanked by two guards.
"Clara," he cried, dropping to his knees on the wet marble. "I'm so sorry. I lost my temper. My dad was in my head. Please, you have to stop this. We have nothing. My mom is selling her jewelry just to buy groceries."
I looked down at the man I had loved, the man I had covered for, the man who had struck me for defending myself.
"You didn't lose your temper, Julian. You showed me who you are," I said coldly. I pulled a thick manila envelope from the console table and dropped it on the ground in front of him.
"What is this?" he sniffled.
May you like
"Divorce papers. I am claiming at-fault grounds due to domestic violence. You will receive no alimony, no settlement, and you will sign an NDA. If you fight this, I will release the financial ledgers proving you embezzled company funds to pay off your gambling debts."
Julian stared at the envelope like it was a bomb. He had no choice. He was beaten.
