Gloria watches in horror as Lucian delivers the verdict with a chilling finality. The crowd remains silent, fascinated by the gravity of Lucian’s power.
Luke’s face drains of color, and he stumbles backward, shock etched into his features.
Desperation grips Gloria tighter. “Please, Mr. Storm, I beg you. We were wrong. I was wrong. Don’t ruin his life because of me. I’ll do anything to make amends.”
Lucian’s gaze remains icy, unmoved by her pleas. “Anything, you say? Your words are as empty as your character. You sought to destroy someone’s dignity without a second thought. There are consequences for such actions.”
Luke’s knees buckle, and he falls to the ground, sobbing. “Sir, please, I have nothing apart from that job. My family depends on it. Please, have mercy. Give me a second cha
