By late afternoon, the sun began to set over the rolling hills of the Sterling estate, casting a warm golden glow through the mansion's floor-to-ceiling glass windows[cite: 1].
Julian sat in his private study with Mark, his family attorney, reviewing the completed divorce documents[cite: 1].
Lawyer: Everything is signed and processed, Julian. Her legal team tried to push back for a cash settlement, but once I played the security footage of her slapping Elena, they folded immediately.
Julian: Did she agree to the restraining order?
Lawyer: Signed and filed with the county court. If she comes within one thousand feet of you or Elena, she goes straight to county jail.
Julian: Good. Make sure the press receives a polite, neutral press release stating our marriage has been annulled due to irreconcilable differences.
Lawyer: Already taken care of. She won't get a single penny, Julian. You are completely in the clear[cite: 1].
Mark gathered his documents, shook Julian's hand, and walked out of the study, leaving Julian alone with his thoughts[cite: 1].
Julian stood up and walked down the long, bright hallway toward the back patio, where Elena was sitting at an outdoor table drinking fresh tea[cite: 1].
Julian: How's your cheek feeling?
Elena: Still a little sore, but Mrs. Gable gave me an ice pack. I'll be fine in a day or two.
Julian: I still can't believe she did that to you.
Elena: I'm just glad I put on that uniform today, Julian. Imagine what she would have done to the rest of the staff if we had never caught her.
Julian: You saved this family from a total disaster, Elena.
Elena: That's what sisters are for. Now, are you going to sit down and drink tea with me, or are you going to keep brooding like a dramatic billionaire?
Julian laughed, the heavy tension in his chest finally melting away completely as he sat down beside his sister under the clear blue sky[cite: 1].
Julian: I think I'll stay right here.
Outside the locked iron gates of the grand estate, Victoria stood on the dusty sidewalk in her expensive high heels, dragging her two heavy suitcases behind her as she waited for a city taxi[cite: 1].
Her phone buzzed with an automated alert informing her that all hotel reservations booked under the Sterling business account had been officially canceled.
She looked back through the iron bars at the massive luxury mansion gleaming in the distance, knowing that her short-lived life of wealth, power, and privilege had come to an abrupt, embarrassing end.