“Sign the papers and leave, beggar,” they mocked her during the divorce — until three black luxury cars pulled up outside.

Edward nodded.

“Yes.”

Arthur whispered,

“You own part of my company.”

Edward corrected him gently.
“I own controlling interest.”

The room exploded.

“That’s impossible!” Arthur shouted.

Edward slid the final document across the table.

Stock certificates.

Transfer agreements.

Signatures.

Arthur’s own signature among them.

Signed during an emergency refinancing deal eighteen months earlier.

Arthur collapsed back into his chair.

“No…”

Edward’s voice was quiet.

“You were desperate for cash after the Chicago project failed.”

Arthur looked hollow.

“You said yes to every investor who walked through the door.”

Edward leaned forward slightly.

“And one of them was me.”

Ryan looked like he might faint.

“Dad… what does that mean?”

Edward answered calmly.

“It means the Castellano empire…”

He tapped the papers.

“…is no longer yours.”

Silence.

Then Camille whispered,

“What about the divorce?”

Edward turned toward Isabella.

His voice softened again.

“My daughter will sign nothing today.”

He looked back at Ryan.

“But if she chooses to divorce you…”