Chapter 4 - THE FALLOUT"Dalia, quiet! Not now!" Julian snapped, without even looking back at her.
"Not now?!" Dalia shrieked, marching into the room, her voice echoing off the glass walls. "You just told your ex-wife that our engagement is a public relations stunt! I gave up my modeling contracts in Europe for you! I put up with your arrogant mother, your endless work hours, and your disgusting temper!"
"You put up with it because I paid for your apartment in Soho and funded your pageant campaign!" Julian yelled back, turning around to face her with a sneer. "Don't pretend you loved me for my personality, Dalia! You wanted my money, and I wanted a trophy!"
Dalia gasped, recoiling as if she had been slapped. The brutal truth hanging in the air exposed the hollow, transaction-based reality of their relationship in front of everyone in the room.
Khloe watched the nightmare unfold with a quiet sadness. She remembered sitting in that same position years ago, listening to Julian rationalize every cruelty as a business decision.
"Julian," Khloe said, her voice cutting through their screaming match like a silver blade. "Leave."
Julian turned back to Khloe, his eyes bloodshot. "Khloe, listen to me—"
"No, Julian. You listen," she said, finally standing up from the sofa. She walked over to where Gabriel stood, slipping her hand naturally into his. "You spent years telling me that I was useless without you. You told me my grief over our lost babies was an inconvenience to your career. You signed a press release throwing me away like trash because you thought I had nothing left to offer."
Julian swallowed hard, his throat dry.
"I rebuilt my life without a single dollar of your help," Khloe continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "I am carrying a healthy, thriving child. I am loved by a man who respects my mind and protects my heart. You have nothing left that I want, Julian. Not your money, not your status, and certainly not your presence."
"Khloe..." he begged, stepping forward.
Gabriel stepped directly into his path, placing a hand on Julian's chest and forcing him back two steps.
"The board of Ascend Capital met this afternoon, Duval," Gabriel said coldly. "We have officially pulled all potential funding for your platform. Furthermore, as the majority debt holder of your firm, Marin Strategic Investment will be initiating a full forensic audit of your accounts tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m."
Julian’s face drained of all color. "An audit? Why?"
"Because," Khloe answered from behind Gabriel, "I know where you hid the offshore shell accounts during our divorce, Julian. I helped you set them up, remember? And unlike you... I never forget a single detail."
Julian stood frozen as two security officers stepped into the room, grabbing him firmly by the arms.
"Mr. Duval, Miss Fontaine, you are being asked to leave the premises immediately," the head of security announced sternly.
May you like
Dalia sobbed loudly, stripping the massive diamond ring off her finger and throwing it directly at Julian’s chest before storming out of the lounge. The ring bounced off his tuxedo jacket and clattered uselessly onto the carpet.
Julian was dragged backward out of the VIP room, his eyes fixed on Khloe until the doors closed between them, locking him out forever.
