VANCE GLOBAL HAS TERMINATED ALL PENDING STRATEGIC AGREEMENTS WITH CROSS HOLDINGS.
Below it came another.
PRIMARY CREDIT FACILITY SUSPENDED PENDING INVESTIGATION.
Then another.
BOARD EMERGENCY MEETING CALLED.
Julian’s fingers tightened around the phone until his knuckles turned white.
Arthur Vance stood before him, calm as winter.
“You,” Julian said, his voice low. “You did this?”
Arthur’s gaze did not flicker. “No, Mr. Cross. You did.”
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Chloe’s fingers slipped from Julian’s arm.
Julian forced a laugh, but it sounded cracked. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Whatever concern you have, we can discuss privately.”
Arthur’s expression sharpened.
“For three years,” he said, loud enough for the closest guests to hear, “my daughter lived in your house without protection, without respect, and without the dignity owed to any wife, let alone mine.”
The room fell silent.
Julian blinked. “Your… daughter?”
