Chapter 5 - The Collapse of the BlueprintMarcus Sterling didn't hesitate. He plugged the flash drive into his monitor and turned the screen slightly away from us. For three minutes, the only sound in the executive office was the muffled audio of Hattie’s shrill laughter from the speakers, followed by the wet, sickening slap of Michael’s hand hitting my face.
As the video played, Marcus’s expression transformed from professional concern into absolute, cold fury. He looked up from the screen, his gaze locking onto Michael like a laser.
“Michael,” Marcus said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Are you aware that Vanguard Development Group has a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence, domestic abuse, and criminal conduct?”
“Marcus, wait!” Michael stammered, stepping back, his hands shaking wildly. “It’s not what it looks like! She provoked my mother! She’s been hiding things from us! She’s toxic!”
“Shut up,” Marcus barked, slamming his hand on the desk. He stood up, turning to Hattie, who had suddenly stopped crying and looked terrified. “Madam, get out of my office before I have building security drag you out by your hair. And Michael? You are terminated effective immediately. For cause. Your corporate clearance is revoked, and your final paycheck will be withheld pending a full legal review of the damages you caused to the Heights District unit—which, by the way, is not owned by Vanguard, but by a private trust.”
“What?!” Michael screamed. “Where am I supposed to go?! We don't have an apartment! My mother’s house in Sedona is—”
“That is no longer my concern,” Marcus said coldly, picking up his phone. “Security to the 12th floor. Escort Mr. Coleman out of the building.”
Hattie jumped out of her chair, her faux-aristocratic facade completely shattering. She lunged toward me, her fingernails clawing at the air. “You did this! You little country trash! You ruined my son’s life! We will sue you for every penny you have!”
I stepped back gracefully as two massive security guards burst through the door, grabbing Hattie by the arms and dragging her backward. Michael followed them, screaming curses at me until the heavy oak doors shut, muffling his voice into insignificance.
Once they were gone, Marcus let out a deep breath and looked at me with immense respect. “Penelope, I am so incredibly sorry you had to endure that. If I had known what kind of man Michael was, he would have never been hired. Are you alright?”
“I am perfectly fine, Marcus,” I said, smoothing down my blazer. “In fact, I’ve never felt better. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with my wealth manager. I need to finalize the acquisition of the northern valley tract.”
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Marcus blinked in surprise. “The northern valley tract? That’s a forty-million-dollar purchase, Penelope. Vanguard couldn't clear the capital for that until next quarter.”
I gave him a small, enigmatic smile as I walked toward the door. “Vanguard isn't buying it, Marcus. I am.”
