Chapter 3 - Rising from the Ashes
Sixty miles away, in a penthouse overlooking the glittering city skyline, I stared out the window. The hospital bracelet was gone, replaced by a sleek platinum watch. My tears had dried. In their place was a cold, unwavering resolve.
Sophia Sterling walked into the room, dropping a thick leather binder onto the glass coffee table.
"It’s done, Audrey," Sophia said, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "The assets are frozen. Dominic’s company will default on its bank loans by the end of the week. The mansion is legally ours, and the eviction notice has been delivered."
"And Victoria?" I asked, my voice calm, devoid of the warmth I used to offer so freely.
"She tried to throw a fit at the process server. She claims you stole from them. She still has no idea that the money she’s been spending was yours all along."
I took a sip of hot tea. The physical pain from the fall was fading, but the ache in my womb remained. My baby was gone. I would never forgive them for that.
"I don't just want them broke, Sophia," I said softly, looking at my reflection in the glass. "I want them to understand exactly who they destroyed. I want them to see the 'poor orphan' bring down their entire empire."
"They will," Sophia promised. "The annual Independence Business Gala is in two weeks. Dominic has been begging for an invitation for years to secure new investors. As the majority shareholder of Vanguard Holdings, you hold the guest list."
"Invite him," I said, a dangerous spark igniting in my eyes. "Invite both of them. Let them think they have one last chance to save themselves."
Later that evening, Dr. Alexander Reed visited my penthouse to check on my recovery. Beyond being my doctor, Alex was a long-time family friend, someone who had known my father.
"You look stronger, Audrey," Alex said, examining the stitches on my brow.
"I am stronger, Alex. Thanks to you."
May you like
He looked at me with deep concern. "Dominic has been calling the hospital, demanding to know where you are. He sounds desperate."
"Let him beg," I replied coldly. "He chose his mistress and his mother. Now he gets to live with them in the ruin they created."
