Chapter 7 - The Unraveling
Marianne Vale stepped out from the private elevator holding the garment bag, freezing dead in her tracks as she saw Lily.
"What is she doing here?" Claire shrieked, her veneer of high-society politeness cracking instantly. "Eleanor, have security remove this waitress from our private dinner immediately!"
"Security works for Hale Properties, Claire," Grant said calmly, snapping his fingers toward the perimeter of the room.
Two private security officers in Hale uniforms stepped forward, not to escort Lily out, but to stand directly behind Marianne Vale.
Behind them walked two forensic attorneys carrying thick leather folders bearing the seal of the Ohio Intellectual Property Board.
"Marianne Vale," the lead attorney stated, his voice echoing in the grand ballroom. "You have been served with a temporary restraining order and a multi-million-dollar copyright infringement claim regarding thirty-two proprietary design portfolios dating back to 1999."
Marianne dropped the garment bag onto the parquet floor, her face draining of all color.
"This is ridiculous!" Claire shouted, stepping between Grant and Lily. "I paid thirty thousand dollars for that gown! It belongs to me!"
"You paid with a bad check, Claire," Grant said coldly, pulling a corporate statement from his jacket pocket. "Your father’s firm was issued a default notice this afternoon for thirty million dollars in over-leveraged bond debts. The Whitmore family is insolvent."
A hushed murmur of horror swept through the wealthy crowd like wildfire.
Claire’s mother went pale, dropping her wine glass onto the plush carpet as city dignitaries quickly stepped away from them.
"You knew?" Claire whispered, her voice trembling with sudden dread. "You knew my father was bankrupt?"
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"I knew three weeks ago," Grant said, looking down at her with steady indifference. "My mother wanted to buy your silence to protect your family name. But I don't build partnerships on deceit, Claire. We are done."
Grant turned to Marianne, his eyes turning to ice. "Unzip that bag right now, or you will spend Christmas morning in county detention for corporate larceny."
