Chapter 4 - The Arrival of the Enforcers
Before Adrian could form a coherent sentence, the massive iron-and-glass front doors of the estate swung open with a resounding crash.
There were no police sirens outside. There were no flashing red and blue lights.
Instead, a convoy of six matte-black armored SUVs had silently slipped through our security gates, deploying a dozen men in impeccably tailored charcoal suits and tactical earpieces. They moved with terrifying, synchronized precision, securing every exit of the grand hall within seconds.
At the head of the detachment walked Marcus Vance—not a relative, but my father’s chief legal counsel and head of corporate security. He was a man who carried himself with the lethal grace of an apex predator, his silver-rimmed glasses catching the harsh glare of the chandelier.
Marcus didn't even glance at Adrian or Vanessa. He walked straight toward me, his expression softening instantly into deep, respectful concern as he saw the blood staining my clothes.
“Miss Sterling,” Marcus said, bowing his head slightly. “Are you unharmed?”
“I’ve been better, Marcus,” I replied steadily, keeping my eyes locked on Adrian. “My back is bleeding, and my patience has completely run out.”
Marcus’s jaw tightened. He turned slowly toward Adrian, and the sheer malice radiating from his gaze made the grown man shrink back against the sideboard like a whipped dog.
“Adrian Vale,” Marcus said, his voice cold and devoid of any human warmth. “By order of Sterling Global Holdings, all existing credit lines, liquidity reserves, equity holdings, and corporate partnerships associated with Vale Global have been instantly dissolved, seized, or redirected into liquidation receivership.”
Adrian clutched his head, his face contorted in sheer agony. “You can’t do that! We have legally binding contracts! We have shareholders! We have—!”
“You had a business because Arthur Sterling allowed you to have one,” Marcus interrupted sharply, pulling a thick leather-bound document from his briefcase. “The moment you laid hands on Miss Sterling, your corporate existence ceased. In fact, as of three minutes ago, your company’s corporate charter was revoked by the state attorney general due to systemic financial fraud discovered during our emergency audit.”
Vanessa began to hyperventilate. Her champagne silk dress seemed to suffocate her as she realized the golden cage she had fought so hard to enter was currently collapsing into dust.
“Adrian!” she shrieked, grabbing his arm and shaking him violently. “Do something! Call your lawyers! Tell them this is a mistake! We’re going to be ruined! I’m pregnant! We can’t be broke!”
Adrian shoved her away roughly, his eyes bloodshot and unhinged. “Shut up! Just shut your mouth!”
Marcus signaled two of the security operatives. “Escort this woman off the property immediately. She is trespassing on private Sterling estate grounds.”
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“No! You can’t touch me!” Vanessa screamed as two massive security guards gripped her arms firmly, lifting her off her feet as she kicked and thrashed. “Adrian! Help me! Don’t let them take me!”
Her shrieks echoed down the long marble corridor until the heavy front doors slammed shut behind her, cutting her off entirely.
