Chapter 2 - The Blacklist
The room plunged back into a deadly silence.
My blood turned to ice in my veins.
I stared up at the man on the balcony, my vision blurring at the edges.
It was Julian Vance.
He was the billionaire investor who had funded my rival competitors over a decade ago.
He was also the man whose black SUV had run my car off the highway on the night of the finals.
"You have no idea what you're talking about, Julian," Walter snapped, trying to regain control of the room.
"This is just a maid looking for a payout."
Walter reached into his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a gold money clip.
He peeled off a stack of hundred-dollar bills and threw them at my feet.
"There is your prize, little girl," Walter sneered.
"Take it and get out of my building before I have you arrested for trespassing."
I looked down at the money scattered on the marble floor.
Then, I looked at Luis, the busboy, who was watching me with wide, terrified eyes.
I didn't touch the cash.
"I didn't ask for your money," I said evenly.
"I asked for your apology."
Walter stepped closer, lowering his voice to a venomous whisper only I could hear.
"You will never work in this city again, Claire."
"I own the agencies, I own the restaurants, and I own the police."
"You are nothing."
Suddenly, Ethan Ashford stepped between his father and me.
Ethan was a foot taller than Walter, with broad shoulders and eyes that held a dangerous storm.
"You lost the bet, Dad," Ethan said loudly, his voice booming across the silent ballroom.
"And since you lack the honor to pay your debts, I will."
Ethan turned to face the line of kitchen staff and servers standing near the swinging doors.
He bowed his head respectfully.
"On behalf of the Ashford family, I apologize for my father's disgusting behavior."
"Your hard work builds our wealth, and you deserve our utmost respect."
The staff stared in shock, some with tears in their eyes.
Walter grabbed his son's shoulder, his face twisted in rage.
"You are out of the will, Ethan," Walter hissed.
Ethan shrugged off his father's hand.
"Keep your blood money," Ethan replied coldly.
He turned back to me, holding out his hand.
"Let me escort you out, Miss Bennett."
I hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing my hand in his.
As we walked out of the ballroom, I could feel Julian Vance's eyes burning into my back.
We reached the grand lobby, and Ethan suddenly pulled me behind a marble pillar.
"You need to leave Chicago tonight, Claire," Ethan whispered urgently.
May you like
"Julian Vance isn't just a rival."
"He's the man my father just sold his soul to, and they both want you dead."
