Chapter 5 - The Retribution
Clarissa Vance did not go quietly. Ruined in social circles and facing a massive public scandal after the video mysteriously leaked to the Chicago press, she attempted a desperate counter-strike. Her wealthy family used their political connections to freeze the Sterling port contract, threatening to bankrupt Andrew’s firm in retaliation for her public humiliation.
One week after her eviction, Clarissa sat in a private VIP booth at an upscale downtown restaurant, drinking heavily with her father’s high-priced lawyers.
"We’ll sue them for defamation," Clarissa hissed, her face twisted in bitter rage. "We’ll ruin the Sterlings, and as for that little maid, I'll make sure she never finds a job washing dishes in this city again."
The lights in the VIP section suddenly flickered and went out. The restaurant grew strangely quiet.
The curtain to the booth pulled back, and Vincent Moretti stepped inside, flanked by Marcus and three large men in dark coats. The lawyers instantly stood up, recognizing the dangerous aura of the man before them.
"Mr. Moretti," Clarissa’s father's lead counsel said, his voice trembling. "This is a private dinner."
"It’s a closing argument," Vincent replied, sitting down opposite Clarissa. He didn't take off his coat. He simply placed his silver-headed cane on the table. "Miss Vance, you seem to suffer from a severe delusion. You believe your money makes you powerful."
"My family controls the city's zoning boards, Moretti!" Clarissa snapped, trying to hide the terror creeping up her spine. "We can stop any contract we want!"
Vincent smiled, a cold, terrifying expression that never reached his eyes. Marcus dropped a heavy manila folder onto the table.
"Inside that folder," Vincent murmured, "are the bank records of Vance Enterprises for the last twelve years. It details your father’s systematic tax evasion, his illegal offshore accounts, and the three million dollars he paid in bribes to those exact zoning boards you just mentioned. I sent a copy to the federal prosecutor twenty minutes ago."
Clarissa’s father’s lawyer opened the folder, turned three pages, and went completely pale. He looked at Clarissa and whispered, "We’re done. Drop the lawsuits. Drop everything. If this goes to a grand jury, your family loses every dime."
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Vincent stood up, leaning over the table, his shadow engulfing Clarissa. "If I hear Lily Hartwell’s name leave your mouth again, or if anyone associated with your family goes within a mile of her, I won’t use the law. Do you understand me, Clarissa?"
Clarissa could only nod, tears of absolute fear finally spilling down her face. She was completely, utterly broken.
