"Arrogance is a disease born of unearned privilege, Marcus," Victoria observed softly, looking out at the city skyline. "Mrs. Croft believed that because she possessed a high-priced accessory and a familiar name, she had the right to weaponize law enforcement against anyone she deemed inferior. She did not evaluate the situation; she evaluated her own sense of entitlement."
"Well, her entitlement just cost her husband forty million dollars," Marcus replied with a subtle grin. "And by tomorrow morning, when your civil defamation lawsuit hits the court dockets, Croft Real Estate Holdings will be facing complete liquidation."
At that moment, a soft chime sounded at the double mahogany entrance doors of the suite.
Victoria’s personal executive protection officer, a tall, broad-shouldered man named Gabriel dressed in a crisp black suit with an earpiece, walked quietly from the foyer into the living room.
"Ms. Vance," Gabriel said, bowing his head respectfully. "Mr. Harrison, the general manager, is downstairs at the private elevator terminal. He reports that Richard Croft has just arrived in the main lobby."
Victoria didn't react. She merely turned her gaze toward Gabriel. "Is he alone?"
"He arrived with his wife, Evelyn Croft," Gabriel reported. "He is currently demanding an immediate audience with you. Mr. Harrison has hotel security holding them at the private elevator gates, but Mr. Croft is claiming he will not leave the property until he speaks with you personally."
Marcus Sterling frowned, standing up from the sofa. "Do you want me to have my security detail remove him from the building, Victoria? He has no right to disturb you."
Victoria held up her right hand, stopping Marcus's offer with calm authority.
"No, Marcus," Victoria said smoothly, a cold, calculating spark illuminating her dark brown eyes. "Let them come up."
Gabriel looked at her carefully. "Are you sure, Ms. Vance? Mr. Croft appeared quite agitated in the lobby surveillance feeds."
"Mr. Croft is a desperate man watching his empire crumble," Victoria replied smoothly, picking up her burgundy Birkin bag by its smooth handles. "And desperate men make wonderful admissions of liability when they think they are begging for mercy. Bring them to the suite, Gabriel. But keep security stationed in the foyer."
"Understood, Ms. Vance," Gabriel said, bowing before turning to execute her order.
Chapter 14: The Confrontation at the Zenith
Five minutes later, the heavy double mahogany doors of the Royal Sovereign Suite swung open.
Stepping into the luxurious foyer was Richard Croft, followed closely by Evelyn.
The contrast between the couple and the regal surroundings could not have been more stark. Richard’s tailored pinstripe jacket was unbuttoned, his tie pulled loose, his shirt collar damp with sweat, and his face twisted into a mask of frantic exhaustion. Behind him, Evelyn looked like a ghost of her former self. Her beige linen suit was wrinkled, her face pale, her eyes swollen and bloodshot from non-stop weeping. She kept her head lowered, hiding behind her husband's shoulder, terrified to look directly at the room.
Gabriel, the security detail lead, stood silently near the doorway, his arms folded behind his back, his sharp eyes tracking Richard’s every movement.
Victoria stood in the center of the massive living room, flanked by floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city. She did not sit down, nor did she offer her guests a seat. She stood with absolute posture, her burgundy Birkin bag held gracefully at her side, her dark brown eyes fixed on Richard with the cold detachment of a sovereign receiving a disgraced general.
Marcus Sterling stood near the velvet armchair, his arms crossed over his chest, offering Richard a cold, unyielding glare.
As soon as Richard stepped past the marble archway into the living room, he dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and took two steps forward, falling directly onto his knees on the plush hand-woven silk carpet.
"Ms. Vance!" Richard gasped, his voice raspy, desperate, and completely devoid of pride. "Please! I beg of you, Ms. Vance! Hear me out!"
Behind him, Evelyn gasped softly, watching her powerful, arrogant husband kneel on the floor.
Victoria did not flinch. She did not express surprise. She merely looked down at Richard with cool indifference.
"Stand up, Mr. Croft," Victoria said, her voice quiet, clear, and commanding. "You are embarrassing yourself in front of your former primary lender."
Richard looked up, his eyes widening as he noticed Marcus Sterling standing nearby. "Marcus... you're here..."
"I am here as a witness to your final collapse, Richard," Marcus said coldly. "Stand up."
Richard dragged himself back onto his feet, his hands trembling violently as he wiped sweat from his forehead with a linen handkerchief. He pulled Evelyn forward by her arm, shoving her slightly so she stood directly beside him in front of Victoria.