Chapter 4 - Julian Sterling's Proposition
Over the next forty-eight hours, a silent war was launched behind closed doors.
Julian placed his vast network of corporate attorneys, private investigators, and security detail at Maya’s disposal. But he was careful not to treat her as a victim—he treated her as the chairperson of her own life.
"We can file an immediate injunction and strip Richard of everything in twenty-four hours," Julian advised as they reviewed financial documents in his penthouse suite. "Or we can let him dig his own grave."
"Let him dig," Maya said, her eyes flashing with strategic fire. "Richard is arrogant. He thinks the viral video of my humiliation makes him a big man. Vanessa is using it to grow her social media followers. My mother-in-law, Olivia, is already trying to set Richard up with Vanessa permanently."
"They believe you’re broken," Julian noted, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Where do we start?"
"Richard’s firm, Vance & Partners, is currently applying for a multi-million-dollar credit line from Sterling Equity," Maya said, remembering late-night conversations Richard had boasted about. "He promised his board he would secure that deal to get promoted to Senior Partner."
Julian chuckled softly, a low, smooth sound that made Maya’s heart flutter unexpectedly. "Is that so? Well, it just so happens that I am the sole signatory for Sterling Equity’s credit approvals."
"Don't deny him yet," Maya smiled, a cold, gorgeous expression. "Approve the preliminary meeting. Invite his entire board, his mother, and his girlfriend to celebrate the signing at the Plaza Hotel this Friday."
Julian looked at her, deeply impressed. "And what will you be doing this Friday, Miss Ainsley?"
May you like
"I will be buying the Plaza Hotel," Maya replied calmly.
For the first time in years, Maya felt a thrill of genuine power. And sitting across from Julian—a man who respected her intellect, protected her daughter, and looked at her with genuine warmth—she realized that her past was finally behind her.
