Chapter 2
Arthur Sterling stopped two paces away from his niece, his hands resting naturally at his sides. The pinstripe suit he wore seemed to absorb the clinical light of the hallway, making him look like an imposing statue of justice. Julianna’s mouth opened, her eyes darting frantically between Arthur and the small crowd of onlookers who were now recording the incident on their smartphones. The illusion of untouchable power that Julianna had cultivated for years was beginning to crack at the seams.
"Uncle Arthur," Julianna stammered, her voice losing its aggressive edge, replaced by a sudden, frantic desperation. "You... you didn't hear the whole story. This... this nurse and her patient were blocking the VIP access. They have no business being in this corridor during the private donor hour."
Arthur did not blink. His gaze remained fixed on her with a chilling intensity. He slowly raised a finger, pointing it directly at her chest, just inches away from the expensive diamond necklace that rose and fell with her rapid, shallow breathing.
"And you are officially fired!" Arthur’s voice rang out, clear and uncompromising, echoing down the long white corridor.
Julianna gasped in utter shock, her hands flying up to cover her mouth and face in sheer disbelief. Her knees wobbled slightly, and for a moment, it seemed she might collapse onto the polished marble. The diamond earrings she wore caught the light as she shook her head violently, muttering denials behind her trembling fingers. The crowd gasped in unison; firing the lead benefactor publicly during the annual gala was unprecedented, a financial earthquake that would send shockwaves through the city's philanthropic network.
Elena Vance slowly released her grip, taking a cautious half-step back. She adjusted the collar of her blue nurse uniform, her breathing steadying as she looked down at her grandmother. Clara offered a faint, tired nod, relieved that the assault had been halted.
Arthur turned his attention away from his disgraced niece. His stern expression instantly softened as he looked at the young nurse who had risked her professional standing to protect a helpless elderly woman. He stepped closer, placing a firm, comforting hand on Elena’s shoulder while speaking to her warmly, his tone a stark contrast to the ice he had just directed at Julianna.
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"Thank you for protecting her," Arthur said quietly, ensuring only Elena and Clara could hear his gratitude.
Julianna lowered her hands, her face flushed with humiliation and fury. She looked around for support, but the surrounding guests averted their eyes, whispering behind their hands. The security guards, previously hesitant to touch a major donor, now stepped forward, flanking Julianna and waiting for Arthur's final signal to escort her from the premises.
