Chapter 4
Two days after the incident at the Grand Meridian Ballroom, a heavy, cream-colored envelope arrived at the Vance estate, delivered by a private courier. The embossed gold lettering bore the crest of the Sterling family. Julian and Sloane were sitting in the sunroom, enjoying a quiet breakfast of artisan pastries and fruit, when the butler placed the silver tray on the table. Sloane stared at the envelope as if it were a venomous snake coiled neatly upon the silver platter. Her fingers hovered over the heavy paper before she looked up at her husband, seeking his silent guidance.
"Open it," Julian instructed evenly, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the familiar handwriting.
Sloane slipped her finger under the flap, pulling out a thick card. Her eyes scanned the brief message, and a bitter, humorless smile touched the corners of her lips. "She wants to meet," Sloane said, sliding the card across the table toward Julian. "Privately. At the conservatory downtown, away from the public eye. She says she wishes to discuss a matter of mutual professional interest regarding the historical preservation board."
Julian picked up the card, reading the typed words twice before tossing it onto the table with a dismissive flick of his wrist. "Professional interest," he scoffed softly. "Translation: she has realized that our legal team is poking around her financial records, and she wants to negotiate a truce before things escalate beyond her control."
"Are you going to let me go?" Sloane asked, her voice carrying a trace of natural apprehension. "Or are you planning to handle this yourself?"
"This is about your dignity, Sloane, and your reputation," Julian said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "If you want to face her, I will be right outside the conservatory doors, completely out of sight but within arm's reach. If you prefer, I can shut this down right now and send my senior partner to serve her with the preliminary audit findings. The choice is entirely yours."
Sloane took a slow, deep breath, considering her options. For years, she had allowed people like Victoria Sterling to walk over her, choosing silence over conflict to maintain social harmony. But the events of the gala had changed something fundamental within her. She realized that appeasement only invited further aggression. If she wanted to claim her space in this city, she needed to stand in the fire and look her tormentor directly in the eyes, knowing she had her husband’s unwavering protection at her back.
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"I will go," Sloane said firmly, lifting her chin with newfound resolve. "I will meet her on her own turf, but I will not go as a victim seeking mercy. I will go as an equal."
Julian’s expression softened into a look of profound respect and fierce pride. He squeezed her hand gently. "Then we go this afternoon. Dress in your best, Sloane. Let them see who they are dealing with."
