Chapter 2 - The Sins of the Father
"My father had no other children," Vivienne stated, her voice dropping to a dangerous, hushed octave. She did not look at Elena; she kept her piercing gaze locked entirely on Julian.
"Your father was a man of many secrets, Vivienne," Julian countered, taking a sip from a passing waiter's tray. "Some secrets are buried in offshore accounts. Others are buried in a small, rundown apartment in Queens. Elena’s mother was his... favorite secret. And she kept the diamond as proof."
Vivienne finally shifted her gaze to the girl. Elena was trembling slightly. She didn't have the posture of the elite. She looked like a civilian thrown into a shark tank. But the resemblance was undeniable. The sharp line of her jaw, the deep, slate-gray eyes—they were the exact mirror of Richard Vanguard.
"This is a desperate play, Julian," Vivienne said smoothly. "A forged birth certificate and a stolen diamond do not make an heir."
"We aren't here for a family reunion, Vivienne," Julian whispered, stepping closer so only she could hear. "We filed the paternity suit an hour ago in federal court. By Monday morning, Vanguard Holdings will be tied up in litigation. The board will panic. The stock will plummet. And I will initiate a hostile takeover before the opening bell."
Vivienne felt a cold fury ignite in her chest, but her face remained a mask of flawless indifference. She turned to Elena. "He is using you, child," Vivienne said, her tone dripping with venomous pity. "When he gets what he wants, he will discard you."
"I just want what belongs to my mother," Elena stammered, clutching the blue diamond at her throat.
"Nothing in this world belongs to you simply because you exist," Vivienne corrected her coldly. She raised her hand, signaling her head of security, a towering man named Marcus who materialized from the shadows instantly.
"Marcus," Vivienne said brightly, raising her champagne glass to the room to maintain the illusion of a pleasant conversation. "Mr. Thorne and his escort were just leaving. Please see them out. Through the service elevator."
May you like
Julian chuckled, offering Elena his arm. "Enjoy your weekend, Vivienne. It’s the last one you’ll spend in this house."
As they were escorted away, Vivienne didn't watch them leave. She set her glass on a passing tray and walked deliberately toward the grand staircase. The gala was dead to her now. She had seventy-two hours to dismantle Julian Thorne’s life before the market opened on Monday.
