“Tonight,” he announced, “we celebrate the future of Pendelton Industries and a historic partnership with Sterling Energy.”
He gestured toward the staircase.
“Please welcome our investor.”
Music filled the room.
A woman appeared at the top of the stairs wearing a black velvet dress and rare yellow diamonds.
When the spotlight revealed her face, the room fell silent.
Arthur turned pale.
“Elena?” he whispered.
She stepped forward calmly.
“Elena Vane no longer exists,” she said. “My name is Margaret Sterling—daughter of Magnus Sterling. And I now control the debt that owns your company.”
The large screen behind Arthur suddenly changed.
Instead of the merger announcement, it displayed financial records.
“Here are the real transactions,” Elena explained. “The twelve million dollars you tried to blame on me… actually came from your own offshore accounts.”
The crowd erupted in shock.
Then another revelation appeared: evidence that Chloe’s child could not possibly be Arthur’s.
Chaos followed.
Arthur and Chloe began accusing each other as their lies collapsed.
Elena ended it coldly.
“Three minutes ago I activated the default clause in our investment agreement. Sterling Energy now owns eighty-five percent of your company. You’re fired, Arthur.”
Police entered the ballroom moments later.
