Chapter 15 - The Uninvited Guest
The post-gala VIP reception was winding down in the private lounge overlooking the glowing harbor. I was deep in conversation with a major venture capitalist when Arthur discreetly appeared at my elbow, his expression tight with controlled disapproval.
“Excuse me for interrupting, Mrs. Vance,” Arthur murmured, leaning in close. “There is a gentleman in the lobby demanding entry. He claims urgent business regarding your former husband.”
I excused myself, walking out toward the grand marble foyer. Standing by the security gates, looking drastically out of place in a rumpled suit and scuffed shoes, was Greg. Tyler’s brother looked like a ghost of his former arrogant self, his eyes darting frantically around the opulent hotel lobby as hotel security firmly blocked his path.
“Olivia!” Greg cried out, taking a desperate step forward before the security guard’s hand stopped him. “Thank God you’re here! You have to help us. The federal marshals seized everything this afternoon. Mom’s health is failing, Tyler has completely broken down, and our lawyers say we’re facing actual prison time unless you sign an affidavit dropping the fraud charges!”
I stopped a few feet away, crossing my arms over my velvet gown, looking at him with absolute detachment.
“You knocked on the wrong door, Greg,” I said calmly, my voice carrying effortlessly across the quiet marble floor. “You thought my success was an open invitation to pillage. Now you’re learning what happens when the bill finally comes due.”
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“We’re blood!” Greg shrieked, his voice cracking with rising hysteria as heads began to turn from the lounge. “You can’t send us to prison over a few hundred thousand dollars! You wipe your tears with that kind of money!”
“It was never about the money,” I replied softly, turning my back on him. “It was about character. And your family didn't have any.”
