Chapter 14 - The Stripping of the King
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“You are going to walk out of this hotel with exactly what you brought into our marriage,” Evelyn declared, her voice ringing with absolute, unshakeable authority. “Nothing.”
She gestured to the head of security, Vargas, who was still standing near the doors.
“Vargas,” Evelyn called out.
The massive security chief stepped forward instantly, bowing his head respectfully. “Yes, Mrs. Vale.”
“Miss Moretti,” Gabriel corrected him sharply.
“Yes, Miss Moretti,” Vargas amended quickly, sweat beading on his forehead.
“Take his keys,” Evelyn ordered. “Take his wallet. Take the watch off his wrist. Take the phone from the floor. He does not leave this room with a single piece of property purchased by my family’s money.”
Dominic tried to scramble backward, but two of his former bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing him by the arms and hauling him to his feet. They didn't hit him, but their grip was ironclad.
“You can't leave me with nothing!” Dominic shrieked as Vargas systematically stripped him of his diamond watch, his platinum credit cards, and the keys to the penthouse and his fleet of luxury cars. “I have enemies, Evelyn! The Russians! The Cartel liaisons! If I walk out of here without security, they will slaughter me by morning!”
“Then you better run very fast, Dominic,” Evelyn said smoothly. “Or learn how to apologize to the people you’ve spent the last decade abusing.”
Vargas handed the collection of items to Gabriel, who slipped them into his jacket pocket with a satisfied smile.
Dominic was left standing in his ruined tuxedo, completely stripped of his wealth, his power, and his identity. He looked at the crowd of elites. The politicians who had drank his champagne were suddenly fascinated by their shoes. The investors who had praised his ruthlessness were actively stepping away from him.
He was a pariah. A contagious disease they all wanted to avoid.
“Evelyn, please,” Dominic whispered one last time, a broken, pathetic sound.
“We are done here,” Evelyn said, turning her back on him completely.
She looked at Vanessa, who was shaking uncontrollably near the buffet tables.
May you like
“You can go now, Vanessa,” Evelyn said, dismissing the mistress like an unruly child. “You wanted the man. You have him. I suggest you help him find a bus ticket out of the state.”
Vanessa didn't hesitate. She didn't look at Dominic. She picked up the hem of her crimson dress, shoved past the guards, and sprinted out of the ballroom doors, abandoning the sinking ship without a second thought.
