Chapter 4 - THE BOARDROOM BATTLE
The grand ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel was packed with over two hundred journalists, financial analysts, and high-society reporters. Cameras flashed endlessly as Julian led Ava onto the raised stage, holding her hand securely in his.
Sitting in the third row, forced to attend by Sterling North Capital’s board of directors, were Damian Cross and Victoria Langford.
Damian looked exhausted. The news of Julian’s threat to pull the four-billion-dollar pension fund had already caused Sterling North's stock to drop by seven percent in morning trading. Damian had been demoted to probation pending an internal review.
When Damian saw Ava walk out onto the stage—radiant, breathtaking, and wearing a diamond that cost more than his entire net worth—his jaw dropped. He gripped the arms of his chair so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"Good morning," Julian announced into the pod of microphones. "I have invited you here today to confirm that Vance Logistics will be entering a new era of expansion. And to share a personal milestone."
Julian turned, looking down at Ava with an expression of such genuine tenderness that even Ava felt her breath hitch.
"My fiancée, Ava Knox, has agreed to join me as the co-chair of the Vance Cultural & Infrastructure Foundation," Julian declared. "Furthermore, effective immediately, Vance Logistics will be transferring all pension fund management from Sterling North Capital to the Metropolitan Trust."
Gasps echoed through the press room. Reporters began frantically typing on their laptops.
A reporter raised his hand. "Mr. Vance! What prompted this sudden severance with Sterling North?"
Julian shifted his gaze directly toward Damian, his eyes ice-cold. "Vance Logistics does not do business with firms that lack basic standards of professional conduct and personal respect. We value integrity over pedigree."
Damian slumped back in his chair, knowing his career at Sterling North was effectively dead.
After the conference ended, Ava walked toward the private green room backstage to catch her breath. As she stepped into the quiet hallway, a hand grabbed her elbow.
She spun around. It was Damian.
"Ava!" Damian rasped, his eyes manic and desperate. "Ava, please! Talk to me!"
Before he could pull her any closer, Julian appeared behind him like a dark shadow.
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Julian didn't grab Damian. He simply placed one large hand on Damian’s shoulder and squeezed. The pressure was so intense that Damian gasped in pain, instantly dropping his grip on Ava’s arm.
"Touch her again, Mr. Cross," Julian said softly, "and I will ensure you never work in financial services on this continent again."
