Chapter 3
The silence that followed the manager's panicked confession hung heavily over the patio. The remaining gatecrashers, realizing the party was not only over but that they were standing on private property with an actual billionaire heir, began backing away toward the exit gates. Whispers rippled through the dispersing crowd as shadows swallowed their silhouettes. Jax stood frozen, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to formulate a lie, but the presence of Miller kneeling like a supplicant made any denial impossible.
Julian looked down at the manager with a quiet, profound disappointment. "Get up, Miller. You've worked for my family for fifteen years. My father trusted you to look after the grounds while I finished my degree abroad. Trading that trust for a kickback from a wannabe influencer is beneath you."
Miller swallowed hard, unable to meet the young man's eyes. "He promised exposure for my nephew's design agency, Julian. It was stupid. I know it was unforgivably stupid. Please, don't ruin my career over this."
"Your career is already finished, Miller," Julian said, his tone devoid of cruelty, carrying only the weight of absolute finality. "Pack your quarters tonight. My legal team will process your severance settlement by morning, but your employment ends right now. Leave the keys on the kitchen counter."
Miller nodded miserably, standing up and shuffling away toward the staff quarters without another word. Julian turned his attention back to Jax, who was now backed against the dry stone wall of the terrace. The imposing swagger that Jax had worn like armor just moments before was completely gone, replaced by the cornered look of a grifter whose con had finally caught up with him.
"And you," Julian said softly, stepping closer. "Jax, right? Founder of Apex Digital Solutions. Or is it Apex Holdings this week? My security team tells me your startup was investigated for pump-and-dump schemes last month. You needed a backdrop of wealth to convince your next round of venture capitalists that you were already rolling in capital."
Jax swallowed heavily, his bravado returning in a weak, defensive surge. "You can't just throw me out like this. I have important people coming. Deals are being signed."
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"No deals are being signed here tonight," Julian replied calmly. He tapped his smartwatch once more. "AI Butler, unlock the main gates and initiate property-wide lockdown protocol. Flash exterior security lights."
With a series of sharp clicks, the massive iron driveway gates swung wide open, flooding the entrance with blinding security strobes. The remaining party guests practically sprinted toward their parked cars. Julian turned his back on Jax, walking toward the grand glass doors of the villa. "You have ten minutes to collect your personal belongings from the patio table, Jax. After that, the automated sprinklers will activate. Don't test the system."
