Chapter 6: The Unraveling
Desperate to save his standing, Richard Sterling attempted to negotiate a private meeting with Alexander. He arrived at the Vance estate looking withered, stripped of his former arrogance.
""We are family, Alexander,"" Richard pleaded, his voice raspy. ""Think of the legacy! If you destroy us, you destroy a part of Elena's bloodline too.""
Alexander stood up from behind his desk, looking down at the man who had ordered his daughter to be stepped on.
""Bloodline is an accident of birth, Richard,"" Alexander replied coldly. ""Family is defined by respect, protection, and love. You gave her none of those. You treated her as a scapegoat for your own bitter failures.""
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Alexander pushed a legal document across the desk. ""Sign over the family estate to a public trust for homeless families, and I will pay off your personal debts. Refuse, and you face total ruin and prison.""
Richard stared at the paper, realizing he had no bargaining power left.
