Chapter 10 - Jared Abbott’s Reckoning and the Public Ruin of a Coward
Inside the Grand Hall of the Metropolitan Museum, the atmosphere was electric.
Every high-society guest, corporate titan, and fashion mogul in attendance was buzzing about one thing:
Salvatore Vance and Delaney Waverly.
Delaney held her head high as Salvatore introduced her to city council members, European ambassadors, and luxury brand executives.
Every person who spoke with Delaney was captivated not just by her stunning appearance, but by her intelligence, her quick wit, and her genuine warmth.
Across the room, Jared Abbott was spiraling.
He cornered Arthur Pendelton near the private bar.
“Arthur! You have to talk to Salvatore!” Jared hissed, sweating through his tuxedo collar. “My firm’s bank accounts were frozen this afternoon! Two of our biggest investors pulled forty million dollars out of our fund! Was that Vance? Tell me!”
Arthur slowly took a sip of his mineral water and looked at Jared with deadpan calm.
“Mr. Abbott, when one chooses to broadcast an assault on a defenseless woman for social media entertainment, one should ensure one does not offend the man who holds the debt notes on one’s entire family estate.”
Jared’s knees went weak.
“What... what are you talking about?”
“Mr. Vance purchased the debt securities of Abbott Financial yesterday morning,” Arthur explained mildly. “By tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, your father’s firm will be declared insolvent. The fraud charges regarding your private investment pool will also be forwarded to the SEC.”
“No! He can’t do that! That will destroy us!”
“It already has, Mr. Abbott,” Arthur said coldly. “Now, I suggest you leave through the service exit before security removes you by force.”
Two massive security guards in black suits stepped behind Jared.
Without a word, they gripped his arms and dragged the pale, stammering coward toward the back doors, far away from the cameras and the glamour he had craved so desperately.
Delaney watched from across the room as Jared was led away.
She felt no sorrow.
No regret.
Only the profound, liberating weight of a debt finally paid.
Salvatore handed her a glass of champagne.
“That is one,” he murmured.
Delaney looked at him, her hazel eyes sparkling.
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“And Daphne?”
“Daphne is about to find out what happens when the audience realizes the golden girl is made of cheap plastic.”
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