Chapter 3 - DANCING WITH DEVILSMy bodyguards immediately drew their sidearms, aiming directly at Arthur's chest. My heart hammered against my ribs, but I stepped out of the vehicle, shielding Elara behind the heavy ballistic door.
"You're trespassing, Arthur," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "The police are already on their way."
Arthur chuckled, pulling a silver pocket watch from his coat—a vintage timepiece. He clicked it open. "The police? Marcus, my father appointed the police commissioner. You think a few financial tricks can break thirty years of established power?"
He stepped closer, ignoring the red laser dots dancing across his chest. He didn't fear death because he believed he was a god.
"Elara," Arthur called out, looking past me toward the tinted glass of the SUV. "Come out, sweet girl. Tell your husband how this works. Tell him what happens to bad little girls who break their promises."
I stepped into his line of sight, blocking him completely. "If you take one more step, Arthur, my men won't hesitate."
Arthur’s smile vanished, replaced by an expression of intense, chilling disgust. "You think you're her savior, Marcus? You think you know her because you saw a few scars? You have no idea what we built together. You’re just a banker playing with fire."
He turned on his heel, waving a hand casually. "See you at the gala on Friday, Marcus. Oh, and check your firm's stock price. Dad sent you a little wedding gift."
As Arthur’s car sped away and the garage doors reopened, my phone buzzed violently. It was my chief financial officer.
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"Marcus! Sterling Capital is under federal audit! The SEC just froze our primary trading accounts!"
Judge Vance had struck back. He wasn't just defending his monster of a son; he was trying to starve my empire into submission.
