Chapter 10
416words
Victor commanded the stage in his bespoke suit, radiating confidence. In the front row, Chloe preened, one hand resting possessively on her visibly rounded belly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a historic milestone for Thompson Technologies..."
Victor's amplified voice resonated throughout the packed venue.
Just as his pen hovered above the contract, the lights abruptly cut out.
A single spotlight pierced the darkness—illuminating me.
Under the collective gasp of the audience, I ascended the steps to the stage, each click of my heels echoing in the stunned silence.
"Before we finalize this agreement, I'd like to share something... enlightening."
The massive screen behind us blazed to life—
Explicit footage of Victor with Chloe, damning bank transfers, falsified contracts, all meticulously organized and labeled...
The room erupted into chaos.
"These documents have already been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Crimes Unit."
Victor's face drained of color. "Who... who are you really?"
I removed my glasses and straightened to my full height, the Laurent family's jade medallion gleaming against my chest.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Eleanor Laurent, sole heir to the Laurent Group."
The ballroom doors burst open on cue.
Federal agents strode purposefully toward the stage. "Victor Thompson, you're under investigation for securities fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. Please come with us."
"No!" Chloe lunged from her seat, hurling herself at me with unexpected force.
I stumbled backward, my abdomen slamming against the sharp edge of the podium.
White-hot pain exploded through my body as something warm trickled down my inner thigh.
"Miss Laurent!" Pierce was at my side instantly, catching me as I swayed.
Victor spotted the crimson stain spreading across my dress and laughed—a horrible, unhinged sound. "Justice! That's what you deserve!"
Through waves of searing pain, I managed one final smile. "I neglected to mention Clause 37—if the signatory faces criminal charges, the Laurent Group reclaims all assets without compensation."
The laughter died on his lips.
As consciousness slipped away, I glimpsed his face contorting in horror, and felt a profound, almost transcendent sense of peace.
They couldn't save the baby.
Perhaps it was mercy.
After all, to be spared carrying his poisoned bloodline might be the greatest kindness.
Victor was formally charged with sixteen felony counts. Chloe, named as co-conspirator, faced her own litany of charges.
The ledger was finally balanced.
And I would move forward—into a life that was finally, truly my own.
