Chapter 8
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Richard Vance was hyperventilating. He dropped to his knees beside his wife, grabbing her arm and trying to pull her up, but Cassandra was completely paralyzed by shock and humiliation. The entire social registry of the city was watching them grovel.
"Elena, Mrs. Sterling, I am begging you," Richard pleaded, his voice cracking. "I will pay for any damages. I will force her to issue a public apology in every newspaper in the state. Please, don't let this ruin our business relationship. You know my company relies on the Sterling Conglomerate's shipping contracts to survive."
Alexander looked down at the pathetic man, his expression completely devoid of mercy.
"You don't have a business relationship with me anymore, Richard," Alexander stated, his words falling like an executioner's axe. "Your shipping contracts are terminated, effective immediately. Your credit lines with Sterling National Bank are frozen as of this second. And if any person in this room ever does business with you again, they will face the exact same consequences."
A collective shudder ran through the wealthy guests. Alexander Sterling was not just threatening the Vances; he was publicly exiling them, putting a bounty on their social and financial lives. To associate with the Vances now was to invite the wrath of the Sterling empire.
"You can't do this!" Cassandra suddenly shrieked, finding a hysterical burst of courage. She scrambled to her feet, pointing a shaking finger at Elena. "She ruined my Oscar de la Renta! I am a victim here! You can't destroy our lives over a stupid slap!"
"I absolutely can," Alexander whispered dangerously. "And I will enjoy every single second of it."
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"Get them out of my building," Elena commanded softly, turning her back on the pathetic couple.
The four bodyguards moved in unison. They didn't gently escort the Vances toward the exit. They grabbed Richard by the collar and Cassandra by the arm, dragging the screaming, humiliated socialite and her weeping husband out of the ballroom in front of the silent, terrified crowd.
