Chapter 6 - The Queen's Return
Charlotte did not rush. She walked down the center aisle with slow, deliberate steps. The crowd automatically parted for her, as if a queen were walking among her subjects. Julian stayed right beside her, his piercing gaze daring anyone in the room to step in their way.
“Stop right there!” Victoria shrieked, her perfectly manicured facade breaking completely. She pointed a shaking finger at Charlotte. “Security! Throw this woman out! She’s an impostor! She’s a crazy maid who broke in yesterday!” Two large security guards stepped forward, looking confused. Before they could even reach for Charlotte, Julian raised a single hand. “If you touch her,” Julian said, his voice quiet but carrying clearly through the silent room, “I will personally ensure you never work in this city again.” The guards immediately backed away, terrified of Julian Vance’s wrath.
Charlotte finally reached the front of the stage. She looked up at Arthur, who was sweating profusely, gripping the podium to keep from collapsing. “Hello, Arthur,” Charlotte said, her voice smooth and dripping with deadly calm. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “Charlotte…” Arthur stammered, his voice cracking. “My dear girl. We… we thought you were sick. We were so worried.” “Save the performance for the judge,” Charlotte interrupted, her tone turning into icy steel. She climbed the short stairs and stood directly on the stage, invading his space.
She turned to face the crowd of reporters and billionaires. “My name is Charlotte Vale. I am the sole biological daughter of Eleanor Vale. And I am of perfectly sound mind.” She held up the thick legal folder Julian had given her. “I hold in my hands the true, legally verified will of my mother, proving that I am the sole owner of 100% of the Solmere Empire.” The room erupted in flashes as reporters scrambled to take pictures. Victoria rushed the stage, her face twisted in ugly rage. “That’s a lie! You’re a fake! My father owns this company! We own you!”
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Charlotte turned slowly and looked down at Victoria. She let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Victoria. Did you really think I didn’t know who was dragging me across my own lobby yesterday?” Charlotte leaned in closer, dropping her voice so only Victoria and the microphones could hear. “I own the marble floor you walked on. I own the chandelier above your head. I even own the champagne you’re currently holding. You are nothing but a guest in my house.”
Victoria turned bright red, humiliated in front of the entire elite society. But before she could scream again, the sound of heavy boots echoed from the side entrance. A team of FBI agents in full tactical gear marched into the ballroom.
