Chapter 16 - The Downfall of Mendes
I walked slowly toward her. The crowd instantly parted for me, stepping back as if I were made of fire.
My white silk dress was still heavily stained with dark red wine. Alejandro's heavy tuxedo jacket still draped securely over my shoulders. My face was still marked by tears. But I had never, in my entire life, felt less small.
I stopped mere inches from Valeria. She looked terrified.
"You are absolutely right," I said softly.
She blinked, utterly confused by my agreement. "What?"
"I do not belong in this world," I told her, my voice laced with venom. "Not if this world requires stepping on the throats of others just to feel elegant. I refuse to belong to a society of cowards."
I took the red envelope from my hand and held it tightly against my chest. "But this house, this corporation, and this family will learn a very harsh lesson tonight."
I turned away from her and faced Carlos Mendes.
"Nobody will ever be permitted to disrespect me in this house again," I declared.
May you like
Carlos Mendes took a step toward his daughter, his eyes pleading. "Clara, please. Let us negotiate."
"There are no negotiations," Alejandro interrupted, stepping up to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me. "The Lu Corporation is officially severing all contracts, all partnerships, and all supply chain agreements with Mendes Enterprises. Effective immediately."
