Chapter 7 - The Patriarch's Wrath
Richard Mercer stepped into their path.
At sixty-five years old, the CEO of Mercer Global was an intimidating figure—tall, with silver hair, sharp blue eyes, and an expression that suggested he viewed human beings purely as numbers on a spreadsheet. Beside him stood Vanessa Sterling, a stunning, cold-eyed blonde heiress whom Richard had been trying to arrange for Ethan to marry for three years to merge their logistics empires.
"Father," Ethan said, his voice instantly tightening as he stepped slightly in front of Jenna. "This is Jenna Caldwell, our new Director of Field Operations for the Foundation."
Richard didn't even bother to look at Jenna's face. His eyes swept over her dress with cold disdain. "I know who she is. A former waitress with no college degree, an absconded husband, and two children, suddenly put on the corporate payroll of my foundation."
"Richard," Jenna began politely, trying to keep her voice calm, "I assure you, my work at the foundation—"
"Do not speak to me," Richard interrupted sharply, raising a manicured hand. "Ethan, a word in private. Now."
"No, Father," Ethan stood his ground, his eyes flashing with fury. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it right here in front of Jenna."
Vanessa Sterling let out a delicate, cruel chuckle behind her champagne glass. "Ethan, darling, don't be ridiculous. Your father is trying to protect you from a classic gold-digger scheme. Women like this target wealthy men in emotional distress all the time."
"That is enough!" Ethan barked, his voice booming across the grand foyer, drawing the attention of dozens of high-society guests.
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"No, Ethan," Jenna said softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm. She looked directly at Richard Mercer, her chin held high, refusing to let them see her break. "Mr. Mercer, I came from nothing. I have worked two jobs at a time, cleaned toilets, and starved so my children could eat. I don't care about your money, your foundation's prestige, or your social standing. But I will not stand here and allow you to insult my integrity."
Without waiting for a response, Jenna turned on her heel and walked out of the ballroom into the snow-filled night, her heart breaking into a thousand pieces.
