Chapter 3: The Fall
Three weeks later, the headlines were everywhere.
GRANT MERIDIAN STOCK PLUNGES 48%.
INVESTORS DEMAND LEADERSHIP REVIEW.
ASHBORNE HOLDINGS ENDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP.
Julian watched his empire collapse one meeting at a time.
The investors who once praised him now questioned every decision.
The media uncovered the affair.
Public sympathy shifted.
Employees resigned.
Partners disappeared.
Even Serena began changing.
The woman who loved luxury suddenly hated uncertainty.
One evening she stood in Julian's penthouse holding a tabloid magazine.
"We need to talk."
Julian already knew what was coming.
"You're leaving."
Serena hesitated.
Then nodded.
"I didn't sign up for this."
His laugh sounded hollow.
Of course she hadn't.
She signed up for private jets.
Galas.
Magazine covers.
Not lawsuits.
Not debt.
Not public humiliation.
"Do you love me?" Julian asked.
Serena looked away.
That answer hurt more than words.
An hour later, she was gone.
For the first time in his life, Julian sat completely alone.
No wife.
May you like
No mistress.
No empire.
