Chapter 3 - The Aftermath in the News
By six o'clock that evening, the story had broken across every financial and society news outlet in the state.
“Corporate Embezzlement Halts Society Wedding of the Year.” “Hayes Wealth Management Under SEC Investigation After Vance Global Contract Termination.” “The Wine-Red Dress: Heiress/Designer Olivia Sterling Exposes Fiancé’s Fraud at the Altar.”
I sat on the velvet sofa in Alexander’s private high-rise apartment downtown, a glass of pinot noir in my hand, watching the television screen.
The news footage showed Ethan being escorted out of the Grand Plaza Hotel in handcuffs by federal agents, his designer tuxedo rumpled, his head bowed in shame. Behind him, my mother and Chloe were seen arguing furiously with the hotel management, who were locking the doors after the wedding was officially canceled.
"How are you feeling?" Alexander asked, walking into the living room, having changed out of his suit into a relaxed black cashmere sweater.
"Relieved," I admitted honestly, taking a sip of wine. "And a little surreal. Six days ago, I thought my life was over. I thought I was worthless because the man I loved made me feel like an embarrassing secret."
Alexander sat down on the armchair across from me, his sharp grey eyes fixing on mine with an intensity that made my heart flutter slightly.
"Ethan Hayes is a fool, Olivia," Alexander said, his voice dropping into a low, sincere register. "He was a small man who felt diminished by your brilliance. You designed the entire corporate identity for his firm. You managed his branding. He didn't want a partner; he wanted a puppet he could control."
"And Chloe was more than happy to play the role," I added bitterly.
"Chloe wanted the lifestyle she thought Ethan possessed," Alexander noted. "She didn't love him. She loved the idea of taking something from you because she spent her whole life envious of your talent."
He reached across the small table between us and gently placed his hand over mine. His touch was warm, reassuring, and completely grounded.
"What happens now?" I asked. "Ethan’s firm will collapse. My family will never forgive me."
"Your family betrayed you, Olivia," Alexander reminded me firmly. "They chose a thief over their own daughter. As for Ethan, his assets are already frozen. My legal team will ensure every single cent of your $150,000 trust fund is returned to you, with interest."
"And you?" I looked at him, searching his handsome face. "Why did you do all this for me, Alexander? You could have just quietly fired Ethan and let the SEC handle him."
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Alexander smiled—a real, captivating smile that softened the hard edges of his striking face.
"Because three months ago, when you presented the rebranding strategy for Vance Global at our quarterly board meeting, I saw the most brilliant, striking woman in this city," Alexander confessed softly. "And when I heard what that coward did to you five days ago... I couldn't let him walk away thinking he had won."
