Julian’s fall was swift and devastating.
Without resources for SkyLink and with public opinion turning against him after Eleanor’s near-fatal accident, investors abandoned AeroTech.
A mysterious firm called Phoenix Ventures quietly bought up Julian’s company shares at rock-bottom prices.
Phoenix Ventures was secretly controlled by Arthur Pendelton—Vance family lawyer and Eleanor’s longtime friend.
The final meeting took place in Julian’s old office.
But this time, Julian sat across the desk.
The door opened.
Eleanor entered slowly, leaning slightly on a sleek cane after the accident. Arthur stood beside her.
Julian looked exhausted and broken.
“We can fix this,” he pleaded. “The baby… is he mine? We could still be a family. I have rights.”
Eleanor’s voice was calm and cold.
“Rights?” she repeated. “You surrendered those when you chose a check over your family. And again when you sent paparazzi to chase my car.”
Arthur placed documents on the desk.
“The board has terminated you for gross misconduct,” he explained. “And there is now a restraining order. If you come within five hundred meters of Eleanor or her child, you will be arrested.”
Everything Julian had built was gone.
Isabella had already publicly dumped him.
He was completely alone.
“But… I loved you,” he said weakly.
Eleanor looked out the window at the city skyline her family helped build.
“No, Julian,” she said softly. “You loved how my admiration reflected your ego. When that reflection stopped flattering you, you shattered the mirror.”
She turned back toward him.
