Chapter 4 - The Ripple in High Society
By noon, the story of Julian Vance appearing at a public school Family Day had spread through the city's elite circles like wildfire.
In his penthouse office downtown, Julian was looking at a series of photos on his phone. They were taken by Arthur from the back of the cafeteria. One photo showed Julian sitting between Emma and Chloe, a twin on each side, both of them grinning so wide their cheeks looked ready to pop. Another showed Vanessa Whitmore’s face at the exact moment Julian had sat down—a mixture of horror, confusion, and desperate social calculations.
The intercom on his desk buzzed. "Mr. Vance, Mrs. Whitmore is on line two. She says she’s calling on behalf of the St. Francis Parent Association."
Julian chuckled. "Put her through."
"Mr. Vance!" Vanessa’s voice was practically vibrating with nervous energy. "What an absolute honor! We had no idea you had... family connections to the Bennett girls. I must apologize if there was any misunderstanding this morning. We simply want the best for all our students."
"I’m sure you do, Mrs. Whitmore," Julian said, his voice smooth and cold as ice. "But I didn't appreciate the way your son was speaking to my... family."
"Oh, Tommy is just a boy! He doesn't know any better," Vanessa stammered, her voice rising a octave. "But we are organizing a charity gala next month for the school’s new library, and we would be absolutely thrilled if you would consider being our guest of honor. We could put the Vance Enterprises logo on all the programs—"
"I’ll think about it, Mrs. Whitmore," Julian interrupted. "But my support of St. Francis depends entirely on how Emma and Chloe are treated. If I hear so much as a whisper of them being excluded or bullied again, I will withdraw every single cent of my family’s foundation grants from your school district. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear, Mr. Vance! Absolutely crystal!"
Julian hung up the phone. He sat back, looking at the one-dollar bill he had placed in a small silver frame on his desk. He had spent his entire life making deals that brought in millions, but this felt like the first time he had ever used his power to actually protect something fragile.
"Arthur," Julian called into his intercom.
"Yes, sir?"
"Find out what time Sophie Bennett’s shift ends at the diner today. And book a table for four at La Reserve tonight."
May you like
"Four, sir?"
"Yes, Arthur. We’re celebrating a successful contract."
