Chapter 21: Cold Rejection at the Lobby
Ethan looked up, tears mixing with the falling rain. “Natalie… is there really no chance for us? Not even a tiny bit?”
Natalie turned her back on him, walking into the grand entrance of the building. “Harrison, escort Mr. Carter to the police station for his final sentencing hearing. I have a global summit to lead.”
“Yes, Chairwoman,” Harrison replied smoothly.
As the heavy glass doors closed behind Natalie, two officers approached Ethan, placing him back into custody.
“Ethan Carter, your trial has concluded. The judge has handed down a sentence of twelve years in maximum-security prison without parole for attempted murder and financial fraud.”
Ethan’s knees gave out completely. Twelve years. His youth, his ambitions, his life—all destroyed because he traded a genuine queen for a poisonous snake.
Two weeks later, the court handed Chloe Vance an eight-year sentence for embezzlement and fraud. Her mother and family abandoned her, leaving her to face her prison term in complete isolation.
Meanwhile, Sinclair Consortium announced the launch of its new global haute couture line: QUEEN N, designed exclusively by Master ‘N’ (Natalie Sinclair).
The fashion world erupted with excitement. Pre-orders for the inaugural collection reached over five hundred million dollars within the first twenty-four hours of release.
At the launch press conference, Lucas Vance presented Natalie with the golden shears to cut the ribbon.
“Chairwoman Natalie, the world is watching your triumph,” Lucas said with a warm smile.
Natalie held the shears, her eyes sparkling with confidence. “This is not just my triumph. This is a reminder to every woman: Never shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s small world.”
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