Chapter 9 - The Slap of Vengeance|
Julian whipped around to face Maya, stammering incoherently. He was trapped between two women, but the balance of power had violently shifted to one side.
“Mr. Banks,” I said in a silky tone, looking directly at Maya’s father. “It seems your future son-in-law is publicly accusing your bank of using dirty extortion tactics to force a divorce. It would be a shame if that made the front page of the Financial Times tomorrow morning, wouldn't it?”
Mr. Banks turned purple with rage. He backhanded Julian across the face with a sickening crack.
“You ungrateful traitor! My bank is pulling all funding! You’re finished!” He grabbed his daughter’s arm roughly. “We’re leaving, Maya! Do not ever speak to this piece of trash again!”
As Maya and her father stormed off, Julian slumped against the floor, completely broken. He slowly looked up at me, trembling, and reached a hand out toward my belly.
“Clara... please... for the sake of our child...”
SMACK!
I swung my hand and slapped him with everything I had. The force was so hard my hand stung, leaving a bright red, five-finger welt across his cheek. The entire VIP section went dead silent.
“Do not ever mention my son,” I gritted out, leaning down, my eyes cutting through him like razor blades. “He doesn't have a father. His father died in that courtroom.”
Julian clutched his cheek, shaking violently as he looked at me like I was a monster he didn't recognize.
“You... you aren't the Clara I knew.”
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“You’re right,” I stood up straight, smoothing out my gown. “I am Clara Sterling. Guards, throw him out the back service door. Don’t let him pollute the air for my guests.”
I turned on my heel and walked away, the rhythmic click of my heels drowning out the agonizing screams of the man who had once tried to destroy my life.
