Chapter 20 - The New Empire
One year later.
The Elysium brand had expanded, opening three new locations in Tokyo, Paris, and Dubai. Without Julian’s toxic ego and embezzlement draining our resources, the company’s profits had tripled. I was featured on the cover of Forbes, recognized not just as an heiress, but as a brilliant CEO in my own right.
Far across the city, in a dingy, dimly lit sports bar, a man in a cheap, ill-fitting uniform wiped down a sticky table with a dirty rag.
Julian paused, looking up at the television hanging over the bar. The news was showing the grand opening of my newest resort. The camera zoomed in on my face as I cut the ceremonial ribbon, smiling radiantly, surrounded by success.
"Hey, buddy!" a loud, drunk customer yelled from a booth. "You missed a spot! And get me another beer, chop-chop!"
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Julian flinched, tearing his eyes away from the screen. He looked down at the dirty rag in his hand, the harsh reality of his new life crushing whatever was left of his pride.
"Coming, sir," Julian mumbled, turning his back on the screen, and walking away into the shadows.
