Chapter 7 - The Dinner Party Where They Smiled to My Face and Stole Behind My Back
Wednesday evening was the pre-gala private dinner at an exclusive steakhouse in Cherry Creek, attended by Julian, Victoria, three of the firm's primary angel investors, and myself.
Julian had insisted I attend, believing my presence as the 'adoring, quiet wife' would ease any lingering concerns the investors had regarding the sudden restructuring of the Vance Logistics Group.
Victoria sat directly across from me, wearing a stunning emerald-green dress and a diamond necklace that had been purchased using a company corporate card three weeks prior. She raised her wine glass toward me with a condescending smile.
"Clara, you must be so proud of Julian," Victoria purred, her voice dripping with faux admiration. "It takes a truly extraordinary man to take a small family operation and scale it into an international powerhouse. Most women wouldn't know how to support a visionary like him."
"Julian is certainly full of surprises," I replied, taking an elegant sip of Cabernet. "Every single day, I discover something new about the depths of his ambition."
Julian beamed, placing a possessive hand over mine on the white linen tablecloth. "Clara has always been my foundation. Even when she doesn't fully grasp the intricate financial mechanisms of the tech sector, her unwavering trust is what keeps this company moving forward."
The investors chuckled warmly, raising their glasses to toast "the great team."
Under the table, I could see Victoria's foot lightly brushing against Julian’s calf—a secret, vulgar display of intimacy right under my nose. They exchanged a subtle, knowing smirk, both of them savoring the thrill of flaunting their betrayal while believing I was completely blind to it.
"To complete clarity," I said, lifting my glass high. "May everyone at this table receive exactly what their actions have earned."
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"To clarity," Julian echoed, clinking his glass against mine with absolute, oblivious confidence.
He had no idea that the waiter who had just refreshed his water was an undercover investigator working for Marcus Vance, confirming the physical presence of both primary targets before the federal marshals finalized the logistics for the following evening.
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