Valerie cast her eyes down at him. There was no hatred, no gloating, only total emptiness—the most terrifying coldness reserved for someone who held absolutely no value in her life anymore.

“Julian,” she said softly, just loud enough for him and those around them to hear. “Compassion is not something you can drain dry and then demand back when you need it. You threw away your own life preserver. Your current life is not my revenge; it is your true worth when I am no longer holding you up.“

She turned and nodded to the head of security. “Escort this employee out. Don’t make a scene.”

“Valerie! Valerie! You can’t be this cold-blooded! I’m begging you!” Julian screamed, struggling desperately as two burly guards grabbed him by the armpits and dragged him out the back door. His wails slowly faded, swallowed by the melodious symphony that resumed playing in the grand hall.

Valerie turned back, accepting a glass of champagne from Alexander, a gentle smile gracing her lips. The past was truly closed. The Sterling name had been permanently erased from the map of power, rotting away in their own delusional arrogance.

As for her, that act was over, but her empire was only just beginning its most brilliant chapter.

 

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