Chapter 3 - The Frozen Accounts
The chime of Julian’s smartphone vibrating in his pocket moments after Richard’s announcement sounded like a death knell in the quiet foyer. Julian fumbled for the device, his thumb frantically swiping across the screen. Bank notifications flashed in rapid succession—red banners indicating insufficient funds, declined transactions, and frozen credit lines.
"This is a mistake," Julian stammered, tapping the screen as if sheer willpower could reverse the digital execution. "My corporate credentials—they override standard freezes. I’m a senior partner."
"Were a senior partner," Richard corrected smoothly, slipping his own phone back into his breast pocket. "Effective eighty seconds ago. The board voted unanimously. Clause 14-B of the Vance family charter: gross financial misconduct and conflict of interest involving corporate espionage."
Vivian stepped away from Julian’s side, her distance instantaneous the moment his financial ruin was confirmed. The confident smile she wore earlier had completely morphed into a mask of cold calculation. She adjusted the strap of her gold slip dress, distancing herself from the collateral damage.
"Julian, you told me your assets were entirely independent of the family trust," Vivian said, her tone dripping with sudden disdain. "You assured me the separation was complete."
Julian whipped his head around, staring at the woman he had risked his entire marriage, reputation, and career to impress. "You helped me draft the asset diversion plan, Vivian! You introduced me to the offshore shell company brokers!"
"Prove it," Vivian replied coldly, crossing her arms. "Show the authorities the communications. Oh, wait, your personal phone was synced to the corporate server that Vance Enterprises just remotely wiped."
Clara watched the two of them turn on each other with a detached, chilling clarity. The man who had whispered endless promises of devotion into her hair just hours ago was now a pathetic, cornered animal, pawing at a dead screen.
"You did this," Clara said softly, her voice cutting through their petty bickering. She looked directly at Vivian. "Every single detail. You targeted my husband because you knew he was weak, and you wanted my father’s empire."
Vivian scoffed, flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "Please. Your husband was looking for an exit strategy the moment you got pregnant, Clara. I merely provided the logistics."
"That is a lie!" Julian shouted, lunging forward, but the two bodyguards flanking Richard instantly intercepted him, pinning his arms behind his back with practiced efficiency.
Richard stepped forward, towering over the restrained man. "You always were a coward, Julian. You thought marrying my daughter was your ticket to the top, and when the pressure of fatherhood hit, you ran straight into the arms of a corporate spy."
Clara placed a protective hand over her belly, feeling a sharp kick from within. She straightened her posture, looking her father in the eye. "Let him go, Dad. I want him out of this house before the police arrive."
May you like
Richard nodded approvingly at his daughter, signaling the bodyguards. But before they could drag Julian toward the double doors, a loud knock echoed from outside the estate entrance.
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