Chapter 4 - The Power of the Purse
Two heavy-set security guards immediately stepped forward, looking uncomfortable but moving to intercept me.
"Ma'am, you need to leave," one of them said.
"I wouldn't touch her if I were you," a deep, authoritative voice boomed from the back of the room.
Arthur Sterling, Vivienne's father and the primary investor of the entire wedding, walked down the aisle. He was a stern, powerful man, and his brow was furrowed in deep annoyance. He marched straight toward me, but to everyone’s shock, he didn't look angry at me.
He looked terrified.
"Miss Keller," Arthur said, bowing his head slightly in respect. "I had no idea you were the ex-wife my future son-in-law was talking about."
"Arthur," I said, offering a polite nod. "It’s been a while since our last board meeting."
"Board meeting?!" Vivienne shrieked. "Father, what are you talking about? She's a nobody! Damien said she was a broke, useless beggar!"
"Silence, Vivienne!" Arthur snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. He turned to Damien, his eyes blazing with fury. "You idiot. You absolute fool. Do you have any idea who this woman is?"
Damien swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "She... she's Adriana. She used to cook at a diner..."
"She is Adriana Keller," Arthur roared. "The founder and CEO of Adriana's Kitchen, the largest restaurant franchise in the Midwest! And more importantly, she is the majority shareholder of the Grand Plaza Hotel Group. She practically owns the building you are standing in right now!"
The silence in the room was suffocating.
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Damien looked as if he had been struck by lightning. He stared at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "M-millionaire? You?"
"I built it from the ground up, Damien," I said, my voice calm, steady, and devoid of any anger. "The night you left me with nothing, I started a food cart. I worked eighteen hours a day while carrying these two babies. I didn't need your money. And I certainly didn't need your permission to succeed."
