Chapter 10 - THE SENATOR'S WARNING
Senator Charles Vance arrived three days later.
Uninvited.
His black SUV stopped outside the gates.
Security called Mark.
"Send him to my office."
Charles entered wearing a dark suit and a politician's practiced smile.
"Mark."
"Senator."
"No need for formality."
Mark remained standing.
"What do you want?"
Charles closed the door.
"I want adults to solve a family misunderstanding before the media turns it into blood sport."
"Your daughter frightened my son."
"Victoria made a mistake."
"Repeatedly."
Charles sighed.
"Young couples struggle when blending families."
"This wasn't struggling."
Mark slid a tablet across the desk.
The paused image showed Victoria gripping Leo's arm.
Charles looked away.
"Delete it."
Mark stared.
"What?"
"Withdraw the complaint. Pay Elena enough to disappear. Victoria releases you from any engagement claims."
For several seconds, Mark said nothing.
Then he began to laugh.
Charles's expression hardened.
"Something funny?"
"I finally understand Victoria."
"Careful."
"No."
Mark stepped forward.
"She learned it from you."
Charles's eyes narrowed.
"You've built an impressive company, Mark."
"Is that a threat?"
"Advice."
"Then take mine."
Mark opened the office door.
"Leave."
Charles didn't move.
"My family has friends in this state."
"My son has me."
"Think carefully."
"I have."
Charles approached.
"If this becomes public, everyone gets damaged."
Mark's answer came without hesitation.
"Then everyone who protected her deserves to."
Charles left.
That evening, an anonymous story appeared online.
BILLIONAIRE'S HOUSEKEEPER ATTACKS FIANCÉE IN JEALOUS RAGE.
Mark stared at the headline.
May you like
Victoria's counterattack had begun.
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