Chapter 6 - The Viper's Strike
Damian moved between the intruders and the two women instantly, his posture lethal. ""Julian, you walk into my mother's private quarters unannounced again, and security will throw you out by your neck. And Richard, you have ten seconds to leave before I double down on shorting your stock.""
Richard Sterling adjusted his tailored tie, glaring daggers past Damian at Clara. ""You think you're clever, Damian? My daughter was humiliated! And now I hear you're trying to validate some pauper maid's fairy-tale bloodline to dilute the family trust? This girl is an opportunistic scam artist!""
Clara stood up, wiping her tears, her hazel eyes blazing. ""I didn't ask to come here, Mr. Sterling. And I didn't ask for your daughter to shove an elderly woman. If treating human beings with decency makes me a pauper, I’ll gladly wear that badge before I ever touch a penny of your poisoned money.""
Julian sneered, stepping closer. ""Hear that? Even the beggar admits she doesn't belong. Damian, the board of directors won't stand for this scandal. We have a five-hundred-million-dollar IPO launching on Friday. If you introduce an illegitimate orphan into the inheritance pool, the shares will plummet.""
""The inheritance pool?"" Eleanor's voice rang out, remarkably steady and terrifyingly cold. She sat upright, the matriarch’s royal authority flashing in her silver eyes. ""Julian, you speak of my estate as though I am already dead in the ground.""
Julian’s smirk faltered. ""Aunt Eleanor, be reasonable—""
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""Get out,"" Eleanor commanded, pointing a single, regal finger toward the door. ""Both of you. Before I rewrite the family charter and leave every square inch of this soil to an animal shelter.""
Richard Sterling turned on his heel, his voice dripping with venom as he hissed, ""You'll regret this, Damian. The Sterlings don't get discarded without a price.""
