Born to Rule, Destined to Destroy Novel 4

Chapter 4
“Ha! Valeria’s not even divorced and she’s flaunting herself like a cheap dancer—what a disgrace to the Barnetts!” Natalia’s venom lashed out as she surged forward, intent blazing. “I’ll teach her a lesson right now!”
“Enough!” Dominic’s voice cracked like a whip, his hand clamping Natalia’s arm, halting her mid-stride. “Want the whole bar to know our business? Look at you—acting like a street thug. Where’s your Barnett pride?”
Natalia froze, humiliation flushing her cheeks scarlet. The public sting from her brother’s rebuke burned, her retort rising—until Adriana glided in, voice a soothing balm. “Please, no fighting. We’re here to enjoy, not squabble over trifles.” She sighed, tilting her head pensively. “Valeria’s likely upset with Dominic after last night—why not apologize and mend things?”
Dominic’s jaw tightened, annoyance shadowing his face. Adriana’s demure drop of gaze hid a flicker of triumph.
Unaware of the storm brewing at the entrance, Valeria stepped off the dance floor, her vigor fading after the music’s pulse. Tugging Diego, she aimed for their table—until a stout, greasy man with a thinning crown lurched toward her, reeking of booze. “Miss, join us for a drink?” His leering eyes roamed, shameless and slick.
Her face iced with disdain; she brushed past, chin high, a silent rebuff. Undeterred, he staggered after, voice swelling with crass bravado. His hand shot for her waist. “What’s the act? A woman like you in a bar’s here to hook men—be grateful I noticed!”
Valeria sidestepped, a mocking smile slicing her lips. “Keep it up, and you’ll lose more than hair.”
“You—!” His face blazed crimson, finger jabbing, rage trembling. “Know who I am? Lorenzo Castillo—this bar’s mine! Come quietly, or you’ll leave on a stretcher!”
Dominic, arriving with Natalia and Adriana, caught the clash—his expression darkened, a storm brewing. Valeria was still his wife; this public insult stung his pride. He stepped forward, but Adriana’s whisper stalled him. “Dominic, too many eyes—if this blows up, it’ll taint us. She’s mad at you; she might spurn your help.”
Her logic pierced his fury—he relented, breath steadying, yet his gaze clung to Valeria. Diego loomed, a towering shield, flicking a card onto Lorenzo’s chest with lethal calm. “Threaten wisely—not everyone’s yours to cross. Starbright Group suggests you reconsider.”
Lorenzo snatched it, hands quaking as the embossed name sank in—his face drained. “You… Starbright’s vice president?”
Gasps rippled; Dominic’s group exchanged stunned glances. Starbright dwarfed the Barnetts—global titans. Jealousy gnawed Dominic—how did Valeria know such power? Had she traded up, fueling her divorce? Adriana’s lips twitched, murmuring, “She’s tight with Starbright’s VP—maybe she could sway them for us.”
“Humph, she’s long forgotten us!” Dominic’s fists clenched, envy twisting his gut.
Lorenzo, defiance flaring, bellowed, “Starbright’s execs are ghosts—prove you’re real!” His turf, his pride—he wouldn’t yield. “I’ll have you tonight, girl—begging in my bed!”
Smack! Valeria’s slap rang, silencing the bar. Lorenzo’s cheek bloomed red, fury contorting his glare. “You dare hit me? Seize her!”
Guards circled, menacing. “Fight?” Diego whispered, fists ready. Valeria’s mind raced—her crew could match them, but at what cost?
A deafening bang erupted at the entrance, chaos exploding. “Gun!” a scream pierced. “Run—shooting!” The crowd surged, but a voice thundered, iron-clad: “The Military Commissioner is here! Cease this chaos—silence!”