RETURNED FOR VENGEANCE

Total Ruin

A standing ovation erupted throughout the auditorium. Council members rose from their seats, applauding the breathtaking holographic display. The head of the city council stepped forward, shaking Aria’s hand warmly.

"Magnificent work, Miss Aria," he announced into the microphone. "The coastal development project officially belongs to Vance Enterprises."

Reporters swarmed the stage, shouting questions over the noise. "Miss Aria! Is it true you were the real mind behind Julian Corp's past successes?" "Mr Vance, when is the wedding?"

Across the room, Julian backed away into the shadowed hallway, his knuckles white against his briefcase. His phone rang incessantly—investors pulling their capital, banks freezing his corporate accounts.

Chloe grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with panic. "Julian, do something! My father’s ten million—he’s going to ruin us!"

Julian shoved her hand away, his eyes wild with rage as he stared at Aria standing beside Dante, illuminated by the flashing cameras.

Suddenly, two officers in dark suits stepped into the hallway, blocking Julian’s path.

"Julian Vance?" the lead detective asked, pulling out an arrest warrant. "You are under investigation for corporate espionage, intellectual property theft, and tax fraud, filed by Vance Enterprises."

Julian’s briefcase hit the floor badly.