Chapter 3 - The Champagne Facade
(Meanwhile, at the Vance Estate)
Chloe stood in the grand foyer of the ten-million-dollar estate, a crystal glass of imported champagne in her hand. The house was swarming with people. She had invited the absolute upper crust of the city's social elite—investors, politicians, and socialites—for a "Celebration of Arthur Vance's Legacy." In reality, it was a coronation party for herself.
"Darling, the new imported Italian marble for the kitchen will be installed by Tuesday," Derek said, slipping his arm around her waist. He was wearing a bespoke suit that cost more than most people's cars.
"Perfect," Chloe beamed, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. "And make sure the decorators throw out all of my mother's antique furniture. It smells like old people. I want this place completely modernized."
"What about your mother?" Derek asked, sipping his bourbon. "Do you think she'll put up a fight over the ranch?"
Chloe let out a cruel, dismissive laugh. "My mother? Please. She’s a weak, grieving old woman. She’s probably sitting in that rotting farmhouse right now, knitting a sweater and crying over Dad’s old photos. She doesn't have the spine to challenge us."
Across the room, the society photographer Chloe had hired was snapping photos of her posing gracefully by the grand staircase. She felt like royalty. She was the sole heir to the Vance fortune, the youngest female billionaire in the state.
She walked over to the catering director to order a second round of Beluga caviar.
May you like
"Make sure it's billed directly to the primary estate account," Chloe instructed haughtily.
The catering director looked down at his tablet, frowning. "Excuse me, Mrs. Vance, but the card on file just declined."
