Chapter 14

“You ripped up my mommy’s drawing!” Serena’s voice cracked. “It was her drawing!” Tears welled in her eyes.

Stella sneered. “It was just a stupid drawing. Your mom’s a bad person.” She added, her voice dripping with disdain, “Probably trying to use it to get close to Sonny.”

“You’re the bad person!” Serena shrieked. Rage fueled her small body as she lunged at Stella, slamming into her.

Stella stumbled, falling hard. A cry escaped her lips. “Sonny! My hand… it’s bleeding!”

Grayson rushed to Stella’s side, glaring at Serena. “Get away from her!” He shoved Serena hard, sending her reeling.

“Sonny, please,” Serena whispered, desperate.

Grayson’s fury exploded. “I’m not your brother! You hurt Stella, so get out!” He shoved her again, harder this time. “Leave, or I’ll have Dad throw you out!”

Serena stood frozen, tears streaming down her face. “It was she who pushed me first! My hand hurts too!”

The injustice choked her. “I don’t need you in my life anymore,” she sobbed, finally striking out at Grayson in defiance.

The Vanderbilt Group boardroom was suffocating. The quarterly shareholder meeting felt anything but routine. Every face was tight, every eye flickering nervously towards Dominick at the head of the table. His stern gaze commanded silence. His displeasure was palpable.

“Mr. Hale, what’s wrong with Mr. Vanderbilt?” a shareholder murmured, glancing at Julian. The crucial government partnership hung precariously in the balance.

Julian's voice was smooth. “Mr. Vanderbilt is fine.” But he saw Dominick's trembling hand hovering over a WhatsApp message to someone named Paisley.

Before Julian could deflect, his phone vibrated. It was the school. A frantic voice informed him that Grayson and Stella had been attacked.