Chapter 8 - The Stripping of Power
Within minutes, the polished facade Daniel had spent years constructing crumbled completely.
Board members turned their backs as officers escorted Daniel down from the stage, placing him in hand restraints right beside the podium where he had just mocked his ex-wife.
Kelsey sobbed hysterically, trying to pull her arm away from a female officer as her designer gown caught on the edge of the speaker stand. "Daniel! Do something! Tell them who you are!"
"He is nobody," Claire said quietly, standing beside Mrs. Whitaker as the officers led the couple toward the main exit doors. "He was only ever as big as the money he stole from women who trusted him."
As Daniel passed Claire, his arrogant mask was entirely gone, replaced by hollow, desperate eyes filled with panic and deep regret.
"Claire..." he choked out, his voice cracking as he looked at her white gown. "Please... talk to Mrs. Whitaker... don't destroy me..."
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Claire didn't answer with anger. She simply adjusted her shoulder strap, looking through him as if he were made of glass.
👉 Read Part 9 to see what happened to the shelter donor cards.
