Chapter 3
As the reality of her dismissal settled in, Julianna’s humiliation morphed back into a dangerous, calculated spite. She dropped her hands to her sides, her chest heaving as she glared at her uncle with undisguised hatred. "You'll regret this, Arthur," she hissed, her voice vibrating with malice. "The board will never back this. Without my family's foundation backing, this entire pediatric wing will lose its funding by midnight. You've just signed the death warrant for your precious hospital expansion."
Arthur did not flinch, nor did he dignify her threat with a raised voice. He simply signaled the two security guards with a subtle nod of his head. "Escort Ms. Sterling to the exit immediately. Ensure her personal items are mailed to her residence. She is no longer welcome on foundation property."
The guards moved in swiftly, each taking an arm with professional firmness. Julianna thrashed weakly, shouting obscenities as they dragged her away down the marble hallway, her expensive purple velvet dress sweeping the floor. The guests watched in stunned silence, stepping aside to clear a path for the disgraced philanthropist.
Once the commotion faded around the corner, the heavy tension in the hallway began to dissipate, replaced by a murmur of polite, albeit nervous, conversations among the attendees. Arthur watched Julianna disappear before turning his full attention back to Elena and her grandmother. He removed his hand from Elena’s shoulder and offered a respectful, apologetic bow of his head toward the wheelchair.
"Dr. Vance," Arthur said gently, addressing the elderly woman by her professional title. "I am deeply ashamed that my family name was attached to such disgraceful behavior tonight. Please accept my sincere apologies on behalf of the St. Jude Board of Directors."
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Clara waved a frail, weathered hand dismissively, though her eyes were sharp and intelligent. "Save the corporate apologies, Mr. Sterling. My granddaughter was just doing her job, and I was simply trying to find a quiet elevator. But I must warn you, Julianna has been quietly shifting foundation assets into shell accounts for months. Her removal tonight might just trigger the very audit you've been trying to avoid."
Arthur’s eyebrows arched in surprise. He exchanged a brief, calculating look with Elena, who stood protectively behind her grandmother’s wheelchair. The gala around them continued its artificial rhythm, unaware of the deep financial corruption that had just been brought to light in the middle of a hospital corridor.
