Chapter 4: Poetic Justice
Maya didn't flinch. She didn't look hurt. Instead, she offered Chloe a cold, calm smile that mirrored Victoria Sterling’s legendary poise.
"I used to think people like you were giants, Chloe," Maya said, her voice carrying just enough for the surrounding guests to hear. "But now I see you’re just small. And very, very fragile."
Before Chloe could respond, Victoria Sterling stepped up beside Maya, flanked by two security guards. The matriarch looked at Chloe with absolute disdain.
"Chloe," Victoria announced loudly, drawing the attention of the entire room. "I warned you about your behavior. Effective tonight, your trust fund is completely frozen. You are removed from the board of the family foundation, and your apartment lease, which is under my company's name, has been terminated. You have twenty-four hours to pack your bags."
Chloe’s face drained of color. "Grandma, please! You can't do this to me over her!"
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"You told Maya once to remember her place," Maya said softly, looking down at Chloe as a waiter arrived to escort the hysterical girl out of the building. "It looks like you're the one who needs to find a new one."
As Chloe was publicly escorted out in tears, the crowd turned back to Maya, raising their glasses in a toast. Maya looked out at the glittering room, finally knowing exactly who she was, and exactly where she belonged.
