Chapter 7 - The Night They Celebrated Too Early
The mansion filled with guests.
Crystal chandeliers reflected against polished marble.
Champagne flowed.
Genevieve moved through the room with a smile.
Julian stood beside her.
He looked victorious.
Eleanor stayed upstairs with Maya.
Her father arrived through a private entrance.
He wore a black suit.
No tie.
No expression.
Julian didn't notice him.
The party continued.
Then Julian raised a glass.
“To new beginnings.”
Genevieve smiled.
“To finally being free.”
Eleanor stood at the top of the staircase.
She looked down.
Maya stood beside her.
Julian noticed them.
His smile disappeared.
“Eleanor.”
She descended slowly.
“What?”
“This is a private event.”
“I know.”
“You weren't invited.”
Eleanor looked around.
“I own part of the company paying for it.”
Julian's face hardened.
“Not for long.”
Eleanor smiled.
“You're still saying that.”
He stepped closer.
“You don't understand what you're up against.”
“I understand perfectly.”
She raised her phone.
The screen showed the financial records.
Guests began whispering.
Julian reached for her.
“Stop.”
Eleanor stepped away.
Genevieve whispered:
“Julian, what is she doing?”
“I'll handle it.”
He looked at Eleanor.
“Leave.”
“No.”
“Eleanor.”
“No.”
Then the doors opened.
Grandfather Blackwood entered.
The room went silent.
Julian's face changed.
Several executives immediately lowered their glasses.
Blackwood walked forward.
“Good evening.”
Julian swallowed.
“Mr. Blackwood.”
“You've been busy.”
Julian forced a smile.
“There are misunderstandings.”
Blackwood looked at Eleanor.
“Are there?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
Blackwood turned back to Julian.
May you like
“Then let's discuss the documents.”
Julian's confidence disappeared.
