Chapter 5 - The Masterpiece of Revenge
Julian didn't say a word to Arthur Rourke. He simply recorded the audio of the call as Arthur continued to speak, incriminating himself fully, before hanging up.
Julian brought Mara and Ivy to a secure, highly guarded penthouse hotel suite owned by Hartwell Enterprises. A private medical team treated Mara’s minor injuries, and Ivy was safely put to sleep in a lavish bedroom, surrounded by the best security team money could buy.
Sitting on the balcony overlooking the glittering city skyline, Mara held a warm cup of tea, a blanket draped over her shoulders. Julian sat beside her, gently taking her hand.
"It’s time to end this," Julian said, his eyes reflecting the cold city lights. "The Rourkes think they are untouchable because of their wealth and political connections. They think they can erase people. But they forgot one thing."
"What's that?" Mara asked softly.
"They tried to erase the wrong woman." Julian pulled out his phone. "Tomorrow morning is the annual Rourke-Hartwell Gala. It was supposed to be the announcement of our wedding date. Every major media outlet, every billionaire investor, and the district attorney will be in that room."
"Julian, what are you going to do?" Mara looked worried. "They are dangerous."
"They are desperate," Julian corrected. "And desperate people make mistakes. I need you to be strong for one more day, Mara. I need you and Ivy to stand by my side. We are going to show the world who the true future of the Hartwell empire is."
The next morning, the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a sea of diamonds, tuxedos, and champagne. Arthur Rourke and Camille stood near the stage, greeting guests with forced smiles. Camille looked radiant in a white silk gown, but her eyes were frantic, scanning the room.
"Where is Julian?" Camille whispered aggressively to her father. "He hasn't answered any of my calls. The press is asking questions."
"Calm down," Arthur hissed, sipping his champagne. "My men failed yesterday, but the police haven't found any connection to us. Julian is probably just nursing his wounded pride. He won't crash the merger. He loves money too much."
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open.
The chatter in the room died down instantly.
Julian Hartwell walked into the room. But he wasn't alone.
On his right arm was Mara Ellis. She was no longer wearing a damp maid's apron. She wore a breathtaking, midnight-blue silk gown that perfectly complemented her eyes, her hair styled in elegant waves. And in Julian’s left hand, he held the tiny, yellow-socked hand of three-year-old Ivy, who looked around the room with wide, curious eyes.
Camille gasped, dropping her champagne glass. It shattered loudly against the floor.
Arthur Rourke’s face turned an ugly, mottled purple. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, stepping forward to block Julian. "Julian, have you lost your mind? Bringing a thief and a domestic servant to a high-society gala?"
Julian walked right past Arthur, leading Mara and Ivy up onto the main stage. He grabbed the microphone from the podium, his voice echoing with absolute authority through the massive ballroom.
May you like
"Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press," Julian announced, his gaze locking onto Camille and Arthur. "Thank you for coming. Today, I have a very important announcement to make regarding the future of Hartwell Enterprises, and the exposing of a multi-million dollar fraud."
HOOK: As the press cameras begin flashing furiously, Julian points to the giant projector screen behind him. "Before I introduce my true fiancée, I want you all to watch a short video."
