Chapter 29
+5 Pearis
Adrian’s gaze locked onto mine, his expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. I could. practically see the gears turning in his head, struggling to process what had just happened. He had underestimated me–everyone had.
For years, I had played the role of the quiet, supportive fiancée, the woman who sacrificed her inheritance to fund his ambitions, the one who stood in the background while he climbed his way to power. But I was done being overlooked.
I held up the financial agreement–the document that detailed every penny, every asset, every sacrifice I had made to build his empire. Then, with deliberate precision, I tore it in half. The crisp sound of paper ripping echoed through the grand penthouse. The pieces fluttered to the ground like worthless confetti, just like his illusion of control over me.
Evelyn gasped from across the room, her perfectly manicured hand flying to her mouth. “You destroyed it! That was a legal contract! You have no claim to anything now.”
I tilted my head, a slow smirk forming on my lips. “Do you honestly think I need permission to take back what was mine?” My voice was calm, but there was a steel edge beneath it.
Evelyn’s face twisted in anger. “You dare speak to me this way? You’ll walk away with nothing- not even the clothes on your back! And your staff? They stay. They were part of your engagement settlement”
A ripple of unease spread through the room. Even the household staff hesitated, caught in the silent battle between loyalty and obligation. I could see it in their eyes–their uncertainty, their sympathy.
Then, as if on cue, a voice rang out from the entrance.
“A presidential letter has arrived!”
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Evelyn’s smug satisfaction faltered, and even Adrian straightened, the confidence draining from his face. The presence of presidential correspondence wasn’t just unexpected–it was a game–changer.
The staff scrambled into action, ensuring the setting was appropriate for such an official delivery. A team of elite security personnel strode in, led by Reed Carter, the President’s trusted envoy. He was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his demeanor unreadable, though there was a flicker of amusement in his gaze when he looked at me.
Adrian stepped forward, forcing a polite smile. “I am honored to receive the President’s letter.”
Reed barely spared him a glance. “The decree isn’t for you, Mr. Warren. It is for Miss Sinclair.”
A slow, satisfied smile spread across my lips. Adrian stiffened beside me, his confidence. crumbling by the second.
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Chapter 29
+ Pearls
about Cassandra breaking off the engagement. If this is a reprimand, please inform him that she has already been removed from our arrangement.”
Reed turned to her, his expression impassive. Then, he glanced at Adrian, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. “You let Cassandra go?”
Silence settled over the room. The tension was suffocating. I met Adrian’s gaze and held it, daring him to speak. He had no idea what was coming next.
After a long pause, Adrian finally spoke, his voice measured but strained. “Cassandra has acted against the expectations of our agreement. Today, I invited legal representatives to finalize our separation.”
Reed’s polite smile disappeared, replaced by a sharper, more authoritative expression. “I see,” he said coolly. “Mr. Warren, there’s no need for you to concern yourself any longer. The decision has already been made.”
Adrian’s jaw clenched.
Reed lifted the official letter slightly. “Miss Sinclair, please receive the President’s correspondence.”
I exhaled slowly, my posture composed, my head held high. “I am honored to accept his letter.”
Country’s interests. His bravery in
Reed unsealed the envelope and began reading aloud. “By the authority of the President of the United States: Hector Sinclair dedicated his life to advancing national security efforts, working closely with top government officials to protect this spearheading key international initiatives, alongside his six sons who served in various sectors of defense and intelligence, contributed to critical diplomatic victories.
“Furthermore, in recognition of his service and the sacrifices of his family, the President bestows posthumous commendations to Hector Sinclair and his sons for their unparalleled contributions. to national security.”
A sharp inhale came from my cousin Theodore. When I turned slightly, I saw the unshed tears in his eyes. Even Vincent, always composed, had to turn away to gather himself. My father and brothers had been gone for years, but this recognition–this legacy–was long overdue.
Reed continued, his voice steady. “As all male heirs of Hector Sinclair are deceased, his estate, holdings, and corporate assets shall transfer to Miss Cassandra Sinclair, in accordance with his private trust,”
The room went utterly silent.
Evelyn’s complexion paled. I could feel the weight of her realization as she stiffened beside Adrian. The Sinclair fortune–one of the most powerful private financial legacies in the country
-was now mine.
Reed barely paused before delivering the final blow. “As Miss Sinclair’s fiancé, Mr. Warren would
1:16 PM c
Chapter 29
contract, she shall have full authority to appoint an heir or successor at her discretion.”
Pearit
I watched the truth hit Adrian like a freight train. His lips parted slightly, his breath catching. If he had remained loyal–if he had valued me instead of treating me as disposable–he would have had access to a fortune that men in his position only dreamed of. Instead, he had thrown it all
away.
Evelyn nearly stumbled. Her hand gripped the edge of a nearby table, as though it was the only thing keeping her upright.
Reed’s voice carried a finality that echoed through the penthouse. “Furthermore, Miss Sinclair has petitioned the government regarding the terms of her past financial agreements with Mr. Warren. She has reminded the administration that when Mr. Warren pursued her investment in his ventures, he vowed never to engage in duplicity or financial misconduct. It was on that basis that she supported him.
“Now that Mr. Warren has chosen to violate the trust placed in him, Miss Sinclair has formally requested an official termination of their financial and personal ties. After review, the government has ruled in favor of Miss Sinclair. Effective immediately, all shared assets, contracts, and affiliations between Cassandra Sinclair and Adrian Warren are nullified.
“Henceforth, neither party shall hold obligation to the other. In business or in life, they shall remain strangers. This decision is final.”
I looked up at Adrian then. His fists were clenched, his expression unreadable. But I saw it–the flicker of regret in his gaze before it hardened into pride.
I rose gracefully to my feet, lifting my chin. “It’s done, then.”
Evelyn let out a strangled breath, her face red with fury. “This isn’t fair! The President–he must reconsider!”
Reed arched a brow, unimpressed by her outburst. “The President does not make mistakes, Miss Warren. The matter is closed.”
I turned, feeling the weight of the past year lift from my shoulders. The betrayal, the heartache, the humiliation–it all ended today.
As I stepped past Adrian, I paused for just a moment. “You had everything, Adrian. And you threw it away.”
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