Vanessa’s confident expression faltered slightly. She stepped back, her eyes darting between Mark and the shattered mirror behind him.
Vanessa: What are you talking about? My father’s lawyers drew up that contract!
Mark: Your father’s lawyers were sloppy. My corporate legal team added a moral clause on page fourteen. Did you read page fourteen, Vanessa?
Vanessa: Page fourteen is just standard corporate boiler language!
Mark: It states that if either party commits any act of physical violence, emotional abuse, or endangerment against a minor heir of the Sterling estate, all financial obligations, settlements, and trust payouts are instantly rendered null and void.
Vanessa: Shaving hair isn't abuse! It's a cosmetic choice!
Mark: You held down a terrified two-year-old child and forcibly shaved her head while she screamed for her dead mother. I have security cameras in every corner of this penthouse, Vanessa. Every single second of your little salon session was recorded in full high definition.
Vanessa’s face turned completely ghostly white. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. The arrogance that she had carried for two years vanished instantly.
Vanessa: Mark... please... I was stressed! The wedding pressure was getting to me! I was overwhelmed!
Mark: You weren't overwhelmed. You were cruel.
Vanessa: Don't destroy my life over a mistake! If those tapes get out, my family's social standing in Dallas will be ruined! No one will hire me!
Mark: You should have thought about that before you put clippers to my daughter's head.
Vanessa: Please, Mark! I’ll go to therapy! I’ll apologize to Lily! We can fix this!
Maria: She doesn't mean a word of it, Mr. Sterling. Look at her eyes. She’s only scared of losing the luxury cars and the Black Card.
Mark: I know, Maria. I see her clearly now.
Mark reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialed a quick three-digit speed dial number while keeping his cold eyes fixed directly on Vanessa.
Mark: Arthur? This is Mark. Cancel the Dallas Country Club booking immediately. Contact the press release team and draft an announcement statement. The wedding is canceled indefinitely.
Vanessa: Stop! Hang up the phone!
Mark: And Arthur... call my divorce attorney and the Dallas Police Department. I want to file formal charges for child endangerment and assault on a minor.
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