Chapter 8 - THE BIRTHDAY GIFT THAT COST MILLIONS
Sienna Vale was enjoying breakfast in Julian's penthouse when he received the board notice.
He read it twice.
Then swore.
Sienna looked up.
"What's wrong?"
"Khloe."
She rolled her eyes.
"Again?"
"She's calling an emergency board meeting."
Sienna laughed.
"Your wife?"
Julian stared at the email.
"She has voting rights."
Sienna set down her coffee.
"How many?"
He hesitated.
"Enough."
Her smile faded.
"Julian."
He looked up.
"How much of Caldwell Industries do you actually own?"
He didn't answer.
Sienna stared.
"Tell me."
"Twenty-two percent."
Her mouth fell open.
"Twenty-two?"
"Khloe's trust controls the majority."
Sienna stood.
"You told me the company was yours!"
"It is mine operationally."
"That's not the same thing!"
Julian slammed his phone down.
"Stop."
Sienna stared.
Then whispered:
"What about the money you transferred?"
He looked at her.
"What money?"
She folded her arms.
"The consulting fees."
Julian went still.
Sienna continued.
"You said those were approved."
"They were."
"By whom?"
He didn't answer.
For the first time, Sienna looked frightened.
Julian turned away.
"Khloe won't do anything."
Sienna laughed bitterly.
"She filed for divorce."
He froze.
"What?"
Sienna stared.
"You didn't know?"
Julian grabbed his phone.
There were three missed calls from his attorney.
A message waited.
Divorce petition filed. Emergency financial preservation measures requested. Call immediately.
Julian stared.
Then whispered:
"No."
Sienna watched him.
"What?"
He looked toward the city.
May you like
"She wouldn't."
But the woman he'd left beside the highway had already done it.
