Chapter 2 - The Domino Effect
The room dissolved into immediate, screaming panic.
Chloe’s father, Richard Montgomery, sprinted through the crowd, dropping his expensive crystal glass. His face was crimson as he looked at his phone screen. Red text flashed aggressively: CREDIT FACILITY REVOKED. ALL CARGO SHIPS RECALLED TO PORT.
“My ships!” Richard screamed, grabbing his head. “Our main supply line just halted! We're losing fifty million dollars every ten minutes!”
He stormed up to Julian, grabbing his son-in-law by the silk lapels of his tuxedo, shaking him violently. “What did you do, you idiot?! What did you DO?!”
Julian stood paralyzed. His phone was buzzing uncontrollably in his pocket. When he pulled it out, three terrifying notifications stared back at him:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK: Your loan of $25,000,000 has been called in immediately. Full payment required within 24 hours.
VANCE TECH CORP: Stock value down 82% in emergency trading.
LUXURY RENTALS: Your venue lease and payment have been rejected and voided for breach of terms.
“No… no, this is a mistake! This is a technical glitch!” Julian stuttered, sweat breaking out across his forehead, ruining his styled hair. He looked at Arthur, who stood calmly amidst the chaos, stepping on a fallen white petal.
“You… you can’t do this!” Julian roared, stepping toward Arthur aggressively. “I have a legal contract for this hall! I paid for this!”
Marcus and four other armed security personnel instantly stepped between Julian and Arthur, drawing their tasers. Their eyes were cold.
“Step back, Mr. Vance,” Marcus ordered sternly. “You are currently trespassing on private property. Move away from the Chairman, or we will use lethal force.”
Chloe threw her bridal bouquet onto the floor, her fake tears ruining her designer makeup. She lunged toward Arthur, falling to her knees in her massive gown. “Mr. Sterling! Please! It was a mistake! Julian didn't know who you were! He thought you were just a worker! Please, don't ruin my family!”
Arthur looked down at Chloe with cold indifference. “A man’s true character is revealed by how he treats those he believes can do nothing for him. Your fiancé hit an elderly worker simply because he existed in his space. And you… you laughed.”
Arthur turned his back on them. “You have five minutes to clear this hall. Anyone remaining will be arrested for illegal entry.”
“Wait!” Julian screamed, dropping his pride entirely. He sprinted around the guards, throwing himself onto his knees right in front of Arthur’s mud-stained boots. The arrogant groom who had strutted into the room like a king was now begging like a broken peasant.
“Mr. Sterling, please! I’ll apologize! I’ll pay for your medical bills! I’ll give you fifty percent of my company! Just don’t destroy me!” Julian cried, tears smearing his face. “Today is my wedding day!”
Arthur stopped. He looked down at Julian’s bowing head. A chilling, slow smile formed on the old man's face.
“Your wedding day?” Arthur asked quietly. “No, Mr. Vance. Today was supposed to be your coronation. But you chose to strike a gardener. Now, you will reap what you sowed.”
Arthur raised his hand and gestured to Marcus. “Throw them out. To the street. In front of the press.”
Outside the grand glass doors of the Royal Diamond Hotel, a swarm of news reporters and paparazzi had already gathered. News of the sudden financial collapse of Vance Tech had leaked onto the stock market, and reporters had tracked the drama straight to the venue.
The heavy oak doors burst open.
Two massive security guards dragged Julian Vance out by his arms, throwing him down the cold granite steps. His silk tuxedo tore against the stone. Seconds later, Chloe was shoved out behind him, her heavy dress tripping her up as she landed face-first in front of a dozen flashing camera lenses.
“Julian! Is it true Vance Tech is bankrupt?” “Chloe, has Montgomery Logistics declared insolvency?” “Why were you kicked out of your own wedding?”
Flashbulbs blinded them. Julian scrambled on his hands and knees, trying to cover his face, while Chloe sobbed hysterically, her veil ripped and trailing in the street dirt.
May you like
Inside the ballroom, Arthur Sterling watched through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. But his revenge was far from complete. He picked up his simple phone once more.
“Victoria,” Arthur commanded softly. “Initiate Phase Two.”
