Chapter 12: Shadows of Temptation
Not everyone was pleased with Elena and Julian’s success. Former business associates of Arthur Vance attempted to approach Julian privately, offering him lucrative deals if he would influence Elena to sell off the company's community assets.
In a private executive lounge, a wealthy speculator named Carter slid a check across the table to Julian.
"Come on, Santoni," Carter whispered. "She’s young and naive. You control her decisions anyway. Help us turn those non-profit centers into luxury commercial estates, and you take thirty percent."
Julian looked at the check, then slowly raised his gaze to Carter. The temperature in the room seemed to drop drastically.
"You miscalculate two things, Mr. Carter," Julian said, his voice deadly calm. "First, Elena Vance is far smarter and stronger than you will ever be. Second, my loyalty cannot be bought."
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Julian picked up the check, tore it cleanly in half, and let the pieces fall into Carter's glass of scotch. "If you ever approach her or her foundation again, I will personally buy out your firm and liquidate every asset you own."
Carter turned pale, grabbing his coat and rushing out without another word.
