Chapter 7 - The Laurent Ultimatum
Helena didn't invite him in. She stood firm in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest. “I don't know who you are, Mr. Laurent, but if you’re Vivienne’s father, you’re wasting your time. I’m not interested in apologizing to your spoiled daughter.”
Arthur Laurent chuckled, a dry, papery sound. He stepped closer, lowering his voice so the neighbors wouldn't hear. “This isn't about Vivienne’s wounded pride, Miss Vale. This is about business. Adrian Falkner is a volatile man, easily distracted by ghosts from his past. If you think playing the damsel in distress is going to win you a permanent place in his penthouse, you are catastrophically mistaken.”
He tossed the manila envelope onto the small console table by the door.
“Inside is a certified cashier’s check for one hundred thousand dollars,” Arthur continued smoothly. “More than enough to pay off your apartment lease, buy a nice house in the suburbs, and keep your foster mother comfortable for the rest of her days. All you have to do is sign a nondisclosure agreement stating you have no prior relationship with Adrian Falkner, and catch a flight to Seattle tonight.”
Helena stared at the envelope, then looked up into Arthur’s calculating eyes. The sheer arrogance of the man—trying to buy her off like an inconvenient piece of trash.
She reached out, picked up the thick envelope, and weighed it in her hand for a second. Arthur’s smile widened, clearly believing he had won.
Instead, Helena opened the flap, pulled out the check, and deliberately tore it straight down the middle into four neat pieces, dropping the scraps onto the floor right at his polished leather shoes.
“Tell your daughter that if she wants me out of her life, she’ll have to do her own dirty work,” Helena said coldly. “And tell yourself that you just lost whatever respect I might have had for your family.”
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Arthur’s polite mask shattered instantly. His face flushed a dark, mottled red. “You arrogant little beggar! You’ll regret this before the sun sets today!”
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