Chapter 1 - The Hollow Empire
The heavy silence outside the Crescent Grand Hotel was completely deafening.
Nearly three hundred members of the Dallas elite stared at the filthy water dripping from Grant Holloway’s expensive tuxedo.
Lauren Price let out a high-pitched sob as she dabbed uselessly at her ruined silver evening gown.
Natalie Whitmore stood at the top of the red-carpet stairs with the empty metal bucket dangling from her fingertips.
She did not look like a hysterical, heartbroken housewife.
She looked like a queen who had just ordered an execution.
Grant frantically wiped a piece of soggy trash from his cheek and glared at his wife.
He raised his hand and furiously signaled for the hotel's private security team.
Six heavily armed security guards immediately rushed out through the revolving glass doors.
The crowd of wealthy investors eagerly stepped back to watch the dramatic arrest unfold.
Grant pointed a shaking, muddy finger directly at Natalie's face.
He loudly ordered the guards to arrest this crazy woman for assault and trespassing on a private corporate event.
The chief of security marched straight past Grant without even looking at him.
The chief stopped directly in front of Natalie and bowed his head in absolute respect.
He politely asked Ms. Whitmore if she needed assistance removing the uninvited guests from her property.
Grant’s jaw dropped open in complete disbelief.
He furiously reminded the chief that he was the CEO of Holloway Development and the host of this eighty-five million dollar gala.
The hotel manager stepped forward and cleared his throat nervously.
He calmly informed Grant that Whitmore Capital had purchased the Crescent Grand Hotel entirely in cash that very morning.
Evelyn Holloway let out a loud gasp and clutched her pearl necklace in absolute horror.
She realized her daughter-in-law was not the quiet, submissive woman they had bullied for five years.
Grant took a threatening step toward his wife, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
He swore that she would pay for this massive public humiliation.
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Natalie casually tossed the empty bucket down the red-carpet stairs, forcing Grant to jump backward.
She smiled coldly and told him that his public humiliation had only just begun.
