Chapter 2: The Fall of the Proud
Chapter 2: The Fall of the Proud
Vivian believed money could solve everything.
She contacted influential friends.
Lawyers.
Business partners.
Even politicians.
One by one, they politely declined her calls.
The reason became painfully obvious three days later.
Eleanor's father had quietly withdrawn every investment his companies had made with the Montgomery family over the past decade.
Banks began reviewing loans.
Shareholders demanded emergency meetings.
Suppliers suspended contracts.
The Montgomery empire, built on reputation, began collapsing faster than anyone imagined.
Marcus watched the boardroom empty as executives resigned one after another.
Some apologized before leaving.
Others simply walked away.
Vivian still blamed Eleanor.
"She destroyed us."
Marcus finally found the courage to answer.
"No."
He looked directly into his mother's eyes.
"You destroyed us."
The words stunned everyone in the room.
For years he had obeyed every command.
Now he saw the truth.
His mother had never wanted a daughter-in-law.
She wanted complete control.
And he had sacrificed the woman he loved trying to keep everyone else happy.
That night Vivian stood alone in the mansion's enormous dining hall.
The twelve-seat table was empty.
The crystal chandeliers still sparkled.
May you like
But the house no longer felt like a palace.
It felt like a monument to arrogance.
