My father turned to the chairman.
“As of tonight, Vance Capital will not participate in any investment round involving CrossTech Holdings. Vance Logistics will not consider vendor integration with CrossTech. And any institution relying on represented ties between CrossTech and my family should review those representations carefully.”
There it was.
Not shouting.
Not scandal.
A sentence.
A sentence that sliced through Julian’s future like a blade through silk.
Phones began appearing in hands.
Messages flew.
At 10:02 p.m., the first investor left the ballroom to make a call.
At 10:07 p.m., the second followed.
At 10:11 p.m., CrossTech’s CFO, who had been seated near the bar, rushed toward Julian with his face gray.
“We need to talk,” he whispered.
Julian shoved him off.
“Not now.”
“Yes, now,” the CFO hissed. “First National wants confirmation on the bridge facility. They’re asking about the Vance contracts.”
The senator muttered something to his aide and walked away.
