Chapter 3 - The Trap is Set
The Sterling Annual Charity Gala was the crown jewel of Victoria’s social calendar. It was the night she intended to publicly announce the Gallagher merger, solidifying her absolute power.
The grand ballroom was a sea of diamonds, champagne, and ruthless ambition. Victoria stood at the center of it all, draped in crimson silk, smiling for the cameras alongside a smug-looking Mr. Gallagher.
Then, the heavy oak doors of the ballroom swung open.
The orchestra’s music faltered. The chatter died instantly.
Clara walked in. She was not the broken, terrified girl who had fled into the storm a week ago. She wore a breathtaking, custom-fitted black gown, her hair swept up to reveal the Sterling heirloom sapphire necklace—a piece Victoria had claimed was lost.
And her hand was resting on the arm of Alexander Croft.
Victoria’s face drained of color. The champagne flute in her hand trembled. She excused herself from the press and marched toward them, her eyes flashing with venom.
"What is the meaning of this?" Victoria hissed, keeping her voice low so the reporters wouldn't hear. "You ungrateful little wretch. How dare you show your face here?"
"Careful, Victoria," Alexander intervened, his voice carrying the dangerous, quiet weight of an avalanche. "You are speaking to my wife."
Victoria froze. "Your... what?"
Clara smiled, and for the first time in her life, it was a smile of pure, weaponized power. "Alexander and I were married three days ago. Which means, according to my father’s will, I am now the majority shareholder of Sterling Enterprises."
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"That’s impossible!" Victoria spat, her composure cracking. "I am the CEO! You have nothing!"
"Actually," Alexander said smoothly, signaling to a group of men in dark suits who had just entered the room—federal agents. "You are under investigation for corporate fraud, embezzlement, and attempted human trafficking. Your assets were frozen at four o'clock this afternoon."
