Chapter 8 - The Matriarch’s Vengeance"Let her go for a moment, Julian," Eleanor said, her voice cutting through the chaos with absolute authority.
Julian stopped, breathing heavily, his dark eyes wide with panic. "Grandmother, if she leaves, she'll never speak to me again. Marcus framed me—"
"I know he framed you, Julian," Eleanor interrupted sharply, her gaze shifting to Marcus, who was trying to slip away toward the exit. "Marcus. Stop right where you are."
Marcus forced an innocent, crooked smile, smoothing down his damp shirt. "Grandmother, come on. You can't possibly believe—"
"Silence," Eleanor hissed, stepping forward with a chilling grace that made even the ruthless older brother flinch. "For thirty years, I have covered up your financial recklessness, your lies, and your petty sabotages because your father asked me to on his deathbed. I watched you steal from subsidiaries, manipulate board votes, and now... you forge corporate documents to destroy the first genuine thing your brother has ever cared about."
Marcus’s smile vanished completely. "You have no proof—"
"I don't need proof in a courtroom, Marcus. I own sixty-five percent voting stock in Hale Global Enterprises," Eleanor said quietly, her voice ringing like a bell through the silent room. "As of right now, your trust fund is frozen. Your corporate title is revoked. Your company credit cards, your penthouse in South Beach, and your luxury vehicles are being repossessed within the hour. Security—escort this parasite off the premises and make sure he never steps foot on Hale property again."
Four heavy-set corporate security guards materialized instantly, grabbing Marcus by both arms.
"You can't do this! I'm a Hale!" Marcus shrieked, thrashing wildly as he was dragged kicking and screaming down the hallway, past the gaping crowd of models and press.
The backstage area fell silent once more.
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Eleanor turned to Julian, her eyes softening as she placed a gentle hand on his cheek. "Go after her, Julian. Don't let your pride and your family's toxic shadow cost you the only person who ever saw past the money."
Julian didn't hesitate. He turned and sprinted out the back exit, ignoring the flashing cameras and shouted questions from reporters lingering in the lobby.
