There were certain things I had learned during my fifteen years of building Apex Holdings.
Never trust a man who guaranteed an investment before the contract was signed.
Never assume someone was wealthy simply because they drove an expensive car.
And never underestimate how far people would go to protect their reputation.
Unfortunately, that last lesson was becoming particularly relevant to my marriage.
My phone had been ringing for the better part of twenty minutes.
Emily.
Michael.
Susan.
Robert.
Now Emily again.
I was beginning to wonder whether the Harper family had discovered a new hobby.
I glanced at the latest incoming call.
EMILY HARPER
I sighed.
Then answered through my Bluetooth headset.
"What is it?"
"Jeff!"
Her voice was sharp.
I continued riding along the road bordering Evergreen Gardens.
"Yes?"
"Grandma wants you to come over."
"No."
I ended the call.
Simple.
Efficient.
Quite satisfying, actually.
I hadn't even needed to slow down.
For three years, the Harper family had treated every command as something I was obligated to obey.
Apparently, they were having difficulty adjusting to the fact that I'd stopped.
My headset resumed playing an old rock song.
I hummed quietly.
Well, that's one problem dealt with.
Unfortunately, the Harper family wasn't finished.
Not even close.
At the villa, Emily stared at her phone.
The call had lasted barely four seconds.
She blinked.
Then checked the screen.
Disconnected.
Her expression darkened.
"That bastard..."
Old Madam Eleanor Harper looked up from her antique chair.
"Well?"
Emily swallowed.
"Grandmother..."
"Where is he?"
Emily lowered her phone.
"He said he's not coming."
The living room became silent.
Eleanor slowly stopped stroking her poodle.
"What?"
Emily hesitated.
"He refused."
For several seconds, the old woman simply stared.
Then her face turned crimson.
"REFUSED?"
Robert hurried forward.
"Mother, please calm down."
Eleanor struck her cane against the floor.
"That ungrateful animal!"
Michael stepped closer.
"Mother—"
"I allowed him into this family!"
She pointed toward the entrance.
"I gave him a roof over his head!"
Susan nodded eagerly.
"Exactly!"
"I allowed him to eat our food!"
Robert added, "And use our property!"
Eleanor's hands trembled.
"And now, after betraying my granddaughter, he dares refuse my summons?"
Emily looked down.
She'd expected Jeff to be difficult.
Perhaps even angry.
But she'd never expected him to hang up on her.
Not so casually.
Not without asking whether she was upset.
The Jeff she knew would have apologized for answering too abruptly.
He would have asked whether she needed anything.
He might even have brought her breakfast.
Instead, he'd said one word.
No.
And disconnected.
The humiliation irritated her more than she wanted to admit.
Susan noticed her expression.
"Mother, perhaps we shouldn't let that worthless man ruin your birthday."
Eleanor glared.
Susan quickly continued.
"Today is your eightieth birthday. We have important guests to entertain, business relationships to strengthen, and the banquet this evening."
She smiled reassuringly.
"Jeff isn't worth your time."
For a moment, Eleanor appeared to consider it.
Then her expression hardened.
"Anything raised under the Harper family's roof—whether a person or a dog—comes when I call it!"
Several relatives nodded.
Eleanor turned toward Brandon.
"Brandon!"
He immediately straightened.
"Yes, Grandmother?"
"Go bring that beast here."
A slow grin spread across his face.
"Gladly."
Eleanor narrowed her eyes.
"And if he refuses?"
Brandon cracked his knuckles.
"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll make sure he understands."
Michael gave his son an approving nod.
Brandon had bullied Jeff for years.
He'd pushed him around at family gatherings.
Ordered him to carry luggage.
Made him wash his cars.
Once, he'd deliberately spilled a bucket of dirty water across the garage floor because Jeff had finished cleaning it earlier than expected.
He'd laughed while making Jeff do the work again.
Now his grandmother was personally authorizing him to bring Jeff back for punishment.
He couldn't have been happier.
"I'll be back soon."
He grabbed his keys.
Then hurried toward the garage.
Once Brandon left, Eleanor finally settled back into her chair.
Her poodle climbed onto her lap.
She stroked its fur until her breathing slowed.
Then she looked around the living room.
"Everyone, sit down."
The relatives immediately obeyed.
Michael occupied the chair nearest his mother.
Robert sat opposite him.
Susan settled beside Robert, while Emily remained close to her parents.
Jessica sat near the staircase, scrolling through her phone.
Eleanor examined the room.
"I called everyone here early for another reason."
Michael straightened.
"Mother?"
She nodded.
"Something important happened yesterday."
The conversations stopped.
Eleanor continued.
"Horizon Group has appointed a new chairman."
Robert immediately leaned forward.
"The investment company?"
"Yes."
Michael frowned.
"I heard something about a leadership change."
Eleanor nodded.
"Apparently, the new chairman assumed direct control yesterday."
She paused.
"Nobody knows his identity."
The room grew attentive.
Horizon Group was one of the most powerful investment and financial services organizations operating in Riverforge.
Its business interests extended into real estate financing, infrastructure, logistics, and commercial development.
What most people didn't know was that Horizon Group belonged to a much larger corporation.
Apex Holdings.
The mysterious international financial empire whose founder almost never appeared publicly.
Horizon wasn't a rival to Apex.
It was one of its major subsidiaries.
And the new chairman who had quietly assumed direct authority over Horizon's strategic investment decisions was none other than me.
Jeff Sterling.
The supposedly worthless delivery driver.
Naturally, nobody in the Harper villa knew any of that.
Eleanor continued.
"As you all know, Sterling Real Estate has maintained business relationships with Horizon Group for years."
Michael nodded.
"Of course, Mother."
Sterling Real Estate was the Harper family's principal property development company.
Despite the name, it had no connection to me or Apex's ownership. It had been founded decades earlier by an unrelated businessman whose surname happened to be Sterling.
The Harpers had acquired the company years ago.
They liked the name.
They believed it sounded prestigious.
Personally, I found the coincidence amusing.
Eleanor looked toward Robert.
"Our Riverfront development requires additional funding."
Robert's expression tightened.
"Yes, Mother."
"Seventy million dollars."
Several relatives exchanged glances.
Eleanor continued.
"The financing proposal with Horizon Group is still under review."
Michael nodded.
"No contract has been signed."
"Exactly."
The old woman leaned forward.
"And until that money is secured, our expansion plans remain uncertain."
Robert swallowed.
Sterling Real Estate had been experiencing cash-flow difficulties for months.
Several developments were behind schedule.
Construction costs had risen.
Commercial tenants were demanding concessions.
And the company's liquid reserves were considerably smaller than its enormous property portfolio suggested.
On paper, the Harpers controlled roughly $1.2 billion in assets.
In reality, a substantial portion of those assets was financed with debt.
The family desperately needed fresh capital.
Seventy million dollars wouldn't solve every problem.
But it would buy them valuable time.
Eleanor looked around the room.
"That is why the new chairman's appointment is so important."
Michael nodded eagerly.
"Mother, I understand."
She continued.
"If we can establish a personal relationship with him, perhaps our financing proposal will receive favorable consideration."
Robert immediately straightened.
"Mother, leave this to me."
Michael turned.
"Excuse me?"
Robert ignored him.
"I've been managing Sterling Real Estate's development projects for years. I understand exactly what we need."
He placed a hand against his chest.
"I'll personally arrange a meeting with Horizon's new chairman."
Michael laughed sarcastically.
"Arrange a meeting?"
Robert glared.
"What?"
"Do you even know his name?"
Robert hesitated.
Michael smiled.
"Exactly."
He turned toward Eleanor.
"Mother, Brandon and I have extensive connections in Riverforge's investment circles."
Robert scoffed.
"Your connections?"
Michael nodded.
"Yes."
"Your son spends more time racing sports cars than working!"
Michael's smile vanished.
"At least he understands how to socialize with important people!"
Robert leaned forward.
"Socializing isn't the same as securing financing!"
"Neither is begging bankers for extensions!"
Robert's face reddened.
Susan immediately interrupted.
"Michael, that's uncalled for!"
Jessica looked up from her phone.
"Oh, this should be interesting."
Emily sighed.
The two brothers continued arguing.
Neither had bothered to ask whether Horizon's investment committee actually believed the Harper developments were financially sound.
They were far more interested in winning their mother's approval.
Eleanor finally struck her cane against the floor.
"ENOUGH!"
Both men stopped.
She looked between them.
"Today is my birthday."
They lowered their heads.
"Tonight, the banquet will be attended by influential businessmen, investors, and financial executives from across Riverforge."
She paused.
"Some of them may have connections to Horizon Group."
Michael nodded.
Robert leaned forward.
Eleanor smiled.
"I want both of you to gather information."
She pointed toward Michael.
"Find out who this new chairman is."
Then Robert.
"Find out what he likes."
She looked around.
"What businesses he owns. What connections he maintains. Whether he's married. Whether he has children."
Susan nodded.
"Excellent idea, Mother."
Eleanor continued.
"And most importantly, find out how we can get close enough to secure that seventy-million-dollar investment."
Michael smiled.
"Understood."
Robert nodded eagerly.
"Of course."
The old woman settled back.
"Whoever establishes the most valuable relationship with the new chairman will be placed in charge of the negotiations."
Silence.
Then Michael's eyes brightened.
Robert straightened.
Both men understood what that meant.
The person responsible for securing the financing would gain enormous influence within the family company.
Possibly a promotion.
Possibly additional control.
Perhaps even a larger share of the eventual inheritance.
"Mother," Michael said confidently, "you can count on me."
Robert immediately replied, "I'll have the chairman's information before tonight."
Eleanor smiled approvingly.
"Good."
Jessica glanced toward Emily.
"Imagine if the chairman turns out to be handsome."
Emily raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Jessica smiled.
"Maybe he'll attend the birthday banquet."
Susan immediately looked interested.
"That would be wonderful."
Jessica continued.
"Who knows? Perhaps he's single."
Emily looked away.
But her mother smiled.
"Well, Emily will soon be available."
Jessica's expression tightened.
For a brief moment, jealousy flashed across her face.
Then she laughed.
"Don't be ridiculous, Aunt Susan. A chairman of Horizon Group wouldn't be interested in someone with a failed marriage."
Susan glared.
"Watch your mouth!"
Jessica shrugged.
"Just saying."
Emily folded her arms.
The conversation continued.
Nobody noticed the extraordinary irony.
The man they were competing to impress was the same man Eleanor had ordered Brandon to drag back for punishment.
Meanwhile, I was finishing a delivery near Evergreen Gardens.
The neighborhood contained several luxury apartment buildings surrounded by landscaped courtyards.
I'd just handed an order to a young couple on the seventh floor.
The woman had smiled.
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
Her husband had added a generous tip.
I appreciated that.
Not because I needed the money.
But because it was nice to be treated like a person.
I returned to my scooter.
Checked my remaining orders.
Then heard my phone ring.
BRANDON HARPER
I stared at the name.
"Of course."
I answered through my headset.
"What is it?"
Brandon's laughter immediately filled my ear.
"Well, well, well!"
I sighed.
"Good morning, Brandon."
"Jeff! You little bastard!"
I winced.
"Could you lower your voice?"
He laughed harder.
"Emily told us everything!"
I frowned.
"Everything?"
"Yep!"
My expression changed.
For a moment, I wondered whether Emily had actually confessed.
Perhaps she'd told her family about the hotel.
Maybe she'd admitted what happened.
Maybe—
Brandon interrupted my thoughts.
"Didn't think you had the guts!"
I blinked.
"What?"
He laughed.
"Honestly, Jeff, I'm impressed!"
I stared ahead.
"Impressed?"
"Yeah!"
His voice became mocking.
"Three years married to my precious little cousin, and you finally went looking for something better!"
My hands tightened.
"What are you talking about?"
Brandon laughed.
"Come on, man. You can tell me."
I frowned.
"Tell you what?"
"Who was she?"
Silence.
I looked toward the road.
"Who?"
"The other woman!"
I stared.
Brandon continued laughing.
"Emily was crying her eyes out! Grandmother nearly had a stroke!"
I stopped breathing for a moment.
"What?"
He chuckled.
"Honestly, I can't even blame you completely."
My expression hardened.
"Brandon."
He ignored me.
"Emily always acted so high and mighty."
I stared ahead.
"Brandon."
"Three years without letting you into her bedroom? Come on!"
He laughed.
"I mean, she's pretty and all, but what's the point if she won't even let her husband touch her?"
I said nothing.
He continued.
"And honestly, Jessica's figure is better anyway."
I slowly lowered my head.
It was becoming clear that something was very wrong.
Brandon sighed dramatically.
"Still, family is family."
His voice hardened.
"You can't go cheating on a Harper granddaughter."
I stared.
Then asked quietly:
"Brandon."
"What?"
"Who told you I cheated?"
He laughed.
"Emily, obviously!"
Silence.
I looked toward the sky.
For several seconds, I couldn't speak.
Emily.
Emily Harper.
The woman I'd caught in a hotel room with Ryan Caldwell.
The woman who'd laughed while he demanded I kneel.
The woman who'd told me she'd never loved me.
She had gone to her family...
And accused me of adultery.
I felt my jaw tighten.
"She said that?"
Brandon scoffed.
"Yes, idiot!"
I closed my eyes.
I genuinely couldn't believe it.
I'd known Emily was selfish.
I'd known she was arrogant.
I'd learned yesterday that she was capable of extraordinary cruelty.
But this?
This was something else.
She wasn't merely refusing to take responsibility.
She was deliberately turning the entire family against me.
Making herself the victim.
And apparently, it was working.
Brandon continued.
"Anyway, Grandmother wants to see you."
I said nothing.
"Where are you?"
I glanced around.
"Evergreen Gardens."
"Perfect!"
I frowned.
"Why?"
"I'm nearby."
"Brandon—"
"Stay there. I'll be right over."
The call ended.
I stared at the screen.
Then slowly lowered the phone.
"Unbelievable."
I shook my head.
"Absolutely unbelievable."
For three years, I'd tried to find something good in Emily.
Even yesterday, after everything she did, I'd been willing to leave quietly.
No public accusation.
No scandal.
No revenge.
Just a divorce.
A clean separation.
I'd even considered letting her keep every expensive gift I'd quietly purchased for her.
Not because she deserved them.
Because I didn't want to spend another minute fighting over our marriage.
And now she was accusing me of cheating.
I laughed bitterly.
"Emily..."
I stared toward the road.
"How much lower are you planning to go?"
Brandon arrived roughly ten minutes later.
I heard his Maserati before I saw it.
The engine roared down the street.
A sleek black sports car turned into the entrance of Evergreen Gardens and stopped beside my scooter.
The passenger window lowered.
Brandon grinned.
"Jeff!"
I looked at him.
"Brandon."
He glanced at my uniform.
Then laughed.
"Still delivering food, huh?"
I said nothing.
He leaned back.
"Honestly, you never change."
I watched him.
He pointed toward the passenger seat.
"Get in."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Grandmother wants you."
"No."
His smile faltered.
"What?"
"I'm not going."
Brandon stared.
Then laughed.
"Come on, Jeff."
I put my helmet on the handlebars.
He continued.
"Stop acting brave."
I looked at him.
"I'm not acting."
His expression hardened.
"Grandmother personally ordered me to bring you back."
I nodded.
"Then you've wasted a trip."
He stared.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then Brandon laughed sharply.
"Oh, you're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Enjoying what?"
"Acting like you've suddenly grown a backbone."
I said nothing.
He leaned toward the window.
"Listen carefully, Jeff."
His voice became cold.
"Grandmother is furious."
I nodded.
"I'm sure."
"She wants to see you immediately."
"Then she'll be disappointed."
Brandon's face reddened.
"Do you have any idea what happens when someone disobeys our family rules?"
I looked at him.
"Considering I'm leaving the family, I don't particularly care."
He stared.
Then laughed.
"Leaving?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
He shook his head.
"Jeff, you really have lost your mind."
I remained silent.
He continued.
"You think you can divorce Emily and walk away?"
"Yes."
He laughed harder.
"Do you even understand what Grandmother is planning?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Brandon smiled cruelly.
"Family discipline."
I stared.
"Family discipline?"
He nodded.
"That's right."
I looked at him for several seconds.
Then asked:
"On what grounds?"
Brandon's smile disappeared.
"What?"
"Why would I be punished?"
He stared.
Then burst out laughing.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?"
I remained silent.
He continued.
"You've been fooling around with other women!"
My jaw tightened.
"Have I?"
He nodded.
"Yes!"
I stared.
"And Emily told you that."
"Of course!"
I took a slow breath.
Brandon continued.
"Look, Jeff, I'm happy Emily's finally getting what she deserves."
I raised an eyebrow.
He grinned.
"She's always acted like she's better than everyone else."
I said nothing.
"But she's still a Harper."
His expression hardened.
"And you don't get to embarrass our family."
I watched him.
Then asked quietly:
"Brandon."
"What?"
"Did Emily tell you where she supposedly caught me?"
He frowned.
"What?"
"With this other woman."
He hesitated.
"I don't know."
I nodded.
"Did she give you a name?"
He frowned harder.
"No."
"Any evidence?"
Brandon scoffed.
"Why would she need evidence?"
I stared.
He continued.
"She's Emily Harper!"
I nodded slowly.
"Of course."
He leaned toward the window.
"And you're Jeff Sterling."
I smiled faintly.
"Yes."
He grinned.
"The delivery boy."
I looked at him.
"Exactly."
Brandon pointed toward his passenger seat.
"Now get in the car."
I didn't move.
He sighed.
"Jeff, don't make this difficult."
I glanced at the Maserati.
Then at him.
"Brandon."
"What?"
"I'm not getting into your car."
His face reddened.
"Grandmother ordered me to bring you!"
I nodded.
"Then go tell her I refused."
He stared.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"That's a strange way to describe a family gathering."
His expression darkened.
Then he reached toward the door handle.
"Fine."
I watched him.
He climbed out.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Designer clothing.
Expensive watch.
He approached with an arrogant smile.
For years, Brandon had enjoyed pushing me around.
He was physically larger than I appeared.
And because I'd never fought back, he'd convinced himself I was helpless.
Now he stood directly in front of me.
"Jeff."
I looked up.
"Brandon."
He pointed toward the Maserati.
"Get in."
"No."
He stepped closer.
"I won't ask again."
I considered that.
Then replied:
"Good."
His expression twisted.
"What?"
"I'd appreciate that."
He stared.
Then reached toward my collar.
I moved half a step backward.
His hand closed on empty air.
Brandon blinked.
I looked at him calmly.
"Don't."
His face reddened.
"You little—"
He reached again.
This time, I caught his wrist.
Not hard enough to hurt him.
Just firmly enough to stop him.
Brandon froze.
He tried pulling away.
His hand didn't move.
His eyes widened.
"What the hell?"
I looked directly at him.
"Brandon."
He stared.
"Take your hand off me."
He swallowed.
I released him.
He stumbled backward.
For a moment, he simply stared at his wrist.
Then at me.
His expression changed from surprise to fury.
"You bastard!"
I sighed.
"Are we finished?"
He clenched his fists.
"You're going to regret this!"
I nodded.
"That's becoming a popular prediction."
He stepped forward again.
Then hesitated.
Apparently, he remembered what had just happened.
I put my helmet on.
"Tell Eleanor I'll communicate through the appropriate channels."
Brandon stared.
"What?"
"About the divorce."
His face darkened.
I continued.
"And tell Emily..."
I stopped.
Thought about the hotel.
Ryan's arm around her.
Her smile.
The way she'd looked at me with such contempt.
Then I shook my head.
"Never mind."
Brandon frowned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
I climbed onto my scooter.
He pointed at me.
"JEFF!"
I looked toward him.
"What?"
"Grandmother is going to destroy you!"
I stared at him.
Then smiled faintly.
"She can try."
Brandon froze.
I started the engine.
He shouted:
"YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT OUR FAMILY!"
I adjusted my helmet.
Then replied:
"Let's find out."
And rode away.
As I traveled down the road, my phone vibrated.
A message from Sebastian.
Sebastian: Chairman, the preliminary Horizon Group financing report is ready.
I glanced at it when I stopped at a red light.
Applicant: Sterling Real Estate
Parent Company: Harper Family Holdings
Requested Financing: $70,000,000
I stared.
Then slowly smiled.
Seventy million dollars.
From Horizon Group.
A company owned by Apex Holdings.
A company whose strategic financing decisions ultimately came under my authority.
I read the next line.
Status: Preliminary review. No binding commitment.
I leaned back.
"Well."
A faint laugh escaped me.
The Harper family wanted seventy million dollars.
From my company.
While calling me a worthless delivery driver.
While accusing me of adultery.
While threatening to drag me back for punishment.
I shook my head.
"That's..."
I paused.
"...actually incredible."
My phone rang.
Sebastian.
I answered.
"Hello."
"Chairman."
"Sebastian."
"Are you safe?"
I smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"Good."
He paused.
"Did you encounter the Harper family?"
"Brandon."
His voice tightened.
"Did he threaten you?"
"Repeatedly."
A brief silence.
"Did he attempt to use force?"
I considered that.
"Yes."
Sebastian's voice became very quiet.
"Young master."
"I'm fine."
"Nevertheless, I recommend documenting the incident."
"Agreed."
He paused.
"Shall I contact legal?"
"Yes."
"Immediately."
I looked at the Horizon financing request.
Then asked:
"Sebastian."
"Yes, Chairman?"
"Did you know the Harpers wanted seventy million dollars from Horizon?"
"Yes, sir."
I smiled faintly.
"Apparently, they're very eager to meet its new chairman."
A pause.
Then Sebastian answered:
"That would be you, Chairman."
I laughed.
"Yes."
He continued.
"Although your formal assumption of direct strategic oversight has not been publicly associated with your name."
"Good."
I looked toward the road.
"Keep it that way."
"Of course."
I paused.
"And don't interfere with their financing proposal yet."
Sebastian sounded surprised.
"Chairman?"
"I want the financial review completed."
"Naturally."
"Everything."
"Yes."
"Cash flow. Debt exposure. Collateral. Existing obligations."
"Understood."
I stared at the Harper name.
"And especially any financing we quietly arranged for Robert Harper over the last three years."
Sebastian paused.
"Of course."
I remembered something.
Two years earlier, Emily had been worried about her father's business.
She'd mentioned that Robert was struggling to secure financing for a development project.
She'd looked genuinely upset.
So I'd helped.
Quietly.
Through an Apex subsidiary.
I hadn't told her.
Hadn't told Robert.
Hadn't told anyone in the Harper family.
I'd simply arranged for the project to be evaluated, and when it qualified, I'd authorized favorable financing terms.
Robert had celebrated afterward.
Then, at dinner, he'd told me I was a useless son-in-law who would never contribute anything meaningful to the family.
I remembered smiling.
I'd been happy his business was doing better.
Now I shook my head.
"Sebastian."
"Yes?"
"I think I've made some very expensive mistakes."
He remained quiet.
Then answered:
"Perhaps, young master."
I looked toward the city.
"But they were made in good faith."
I nodded slowly.
"Yes."
He continued.
"That doesn't mean you must continue making them."
For several seconds, I said nothing.
Then smiled.
"Good point."
I ended the call.
The traffic light turned green.
I accelerated.
Somewhere behind me, Brandon Harper was probably calling his grandmother.
Complaining that I'd refused to get into his car.
Eleanor was probably furious.
Emily was probably telling everyone how cruelly I'd treated her.
And Michael and Robert were undoubtedly competing to discover the identity of Horizon Group's mysterious new chairman.
I almost laughed.
They could keep looking.
For now.
Because the last thing I wanted was to reveal my identity before the Harper family had finished demonstrating exactly how little they thought of me.
They believed money made them untouchable.
They believed their family name gave them authority over everyone beneath them.
And they believed seventy million dollars from Horizon Group would solve their financial problems.
I glanced toward the distant skyline.
Apex Tower stood above the surrounding buildings.
My empire.
Fifteen years of hard work.
Approximately $3.8 trillion in personal wealth.
And not a single dollar inherited.
I smiled faintly.
"Well, Eleanor."
I accelerated down the road.
"You wanted to meet Horizon's new chairman."
The old rock song continued playing through my headset.
I shook my head.
"Be careful what you wish for."
Back at the villa, Brandon stormed into the living room.
Eleanor immediately looked up.
"Where is he?"
Brandon slammed his keys onto a table.
"That bastard!"
The room fell silent.
Michael stood.
"Brandon?"
His son pointed toward the entrance.
"He refused!"
Eleanor's expression darkened.
"What?"
"He wouldn't get in my car!"
Susan gasped.
Robert looked furious.
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
Brandon continued.
"He even grabbed my wrist!"
Eleanor struck her cane against the floor.
"HOW DARE HE!"
Emily slowly rose.
"Jeff did that?"
Brandon nodded angrily.
"Yes!"
Her expression changed.
That didn't sound like Jeff.
The Jeff she knew would have apologized if Brandon shouted at him.
He would have gotten into the car.
He would have returned to the villa.
And he would have quietly accepted whatever punishment the family demanded.
But now...
Now he was refusing.
Again.
Emily clenched her fists.
What has gotten into him?
Eleanor's face turned red.
"Very well."
She slowly sat back down.
The room quieted.
Her voice became cold.
"If Jeff Sterling thinks he can escape Harper family discipline..."
She paused.
"...then we'll punish him publicly."
Susan smiled.
"Mother?"
Eleanor looked toward her sons.
"Tonight's banquet."
Michael straightened.
"Yes?"
"Invite every important family in Riverforge."
Robert nodded eagerly.
"Of course."
"Business owners."
"Yes."
"Bankers."
"Certainly."
"Investors."
Michael smiled.
"Naturally."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed.
"And make sure they all know what Jeff Sterling has done."
Emily looked up.
Her grandmother continued.
"I want every employer in this city to understand that Jeff Sterling is an ungrateful adulterer who betrayed the family that supported him."
Brandon grinned.
"Grandmother, that's brilliant."
Jessica smiled.
Eleanor leaned back.
"Once we're finished, that beast won't be able to find work anywhere."
Susan nodded eagerly.
"And then he'll come begging."
Eleanor smiled coldly.
"Exactly."
Emily finally smiled too.
Yes.
That would teach Jeff.
He could act arrogant for a day.
Perhaps even two.
But once his delivery job was gone...
Once nobody would hire him...
Once he had nowhere to sleep...
He would understand exactly how much he needed her.
She looked toward the entrance.
Then whispered:
"Three days, Jeff."
Her smile widened.
"That's all I'm giving you."
And across the city, the man she believed was a penniless delivery driver was quietly reviewing the seventy-million-dollar financing proposal her entire family desperately needed.