Chapter 9 - The Downfall
Two years later.
Inside the visiting room of a medium-security federal penitentiary, Marcus Sterling sat at a bolted-down metal table, wearing an orange jumpsuit. His hair was streaked with gray, his face lined with stress and regret.
The heavy steel door opened, and a visitor walked in.
Marcus looked up, his heart skipping a beat. For a split second, he hoped it was Isabella coming to forgive him, or at least to see him.
Instead, it was his former corporate rival, Julian Vance, carrying a manila folder.
"Julian," Marcus croaked, his voice hoarse. "Did you bring the appeal papers?"
Julian sat down across from him, looking at Marcus with pity. "There is no appeal, Marcus. The appellate court denied your motion yesterday. You're serving the full twelve years."
Marcus slammed his fists on the table. "She ruined me! Isabella ruined my life!"
"No, Marcus," Julian said calmly, sliding the folder across the table. "You ruined yourself. You had a brilliant, loyal, unbelievably wealthy wife who was willing to let you shine while she supported you from the shadows. All you had to do was be faithful and honest. But your ego couldn't handle it."
Julian opened the folder, revealing a magazine cover. On the front was Isabella, radiant and powerful, holding a golden award for "Global Business Leader of the Year."
"She just launched the Eleanor Vance Foundation," Julian added. "Funding scholarships for hospitality students worldwide. She's happy, Marcus. She's built a life so grand, your name isn't even a whisper in her halls anymore."
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Marcus stared at the magazine cover. The tears he had held back for two years finally overflowed, spilling onto the metallic surface of the prison table.
He had owned nothing. He had gained nothing. And now, he was nothing.
