Born to Rule, Destined to Destroy Novel 6

Chapter 6
Valeria’s words detonated, shock rippling through the bar like a silent blast, yet Javier stood unmoved, a monolith amid the storm. Natalia lunged, finger stabbing the air. “So money-hungry you’d gamble it all? Ruin yourself, but don’t drag us down!”
“No problem,” Javier replied, his calm a thunderclap, stilling the room anew.
Valeria’s breath caught, surprise flickering—she’d spiked the price to repel him, not corner herself with his swift nod. “How do I reach you?” she asked, steadying her voice. “I’ll call after speaking to Egret.”
Javier dipped his chin; his assistant, Andres Marquez, glided forward, offering a card with a flourish. “Commissioner Barnett’s personal contact.”
Diego and Adriana’s eyes glinted green—Javier’s card, a rare talisman of prestige. Natalia and Dominic bristled with envy as Valeria tucked it casually into her pocket, a gesture slicing their pride. “Finch, escort them out,” Javier commanded, voice iron-clad.
“Yes, sir.” Finch beckoned Valeria and Diego. Diego grinned, thrill alight, while Valeria offered a simple “Thank you,” unruffled as if it were mere routine.
Dominic’s irritation flared—such favor from Javier’s aide, dismissed by her as trivial? His fists clenched, itching to seize the moment, but Javier swept out, sparing him no glance. Adriana murmured, “He sees you as family—that’s esteem. But with Valeria still your wife, her scandals could taint you.”
A shadow crossed Dominic’s face. “You’re right—I’ll talk to her.”
Next day, Valeria woke late in the villa, drained from the night’s whirl. Her phone flared to life—missed calls from Dominic, a text stark: “Rosebush Café, 1 PM. Don’t skip—or else.” Divorce loomed unfinished; she agreed.
At the café’s secluded nook, Dominic pounced. “I see your game, Valeria—faking Egret to win Uncle over, turn him against me. Drop it. Adriana’s my heart—no scheme changes that. Confess you know nothing before this blows up!”
Nausea churned—she’d missed his narcissism’s depth. “Stop thinking I pine for you,” she said, icy. “Divorce means freedom—my deal with Egret’s for the payout, not you.”
His gaze hardened, probing for deceit, then flared with frustration. “Money’s all you care about? If Uncle finds you’re bluffing, no begging will save you—don’t cry to me then!”
“No need for a scumbag’s help,” she smirked, dialing a number before him.
Dominic’s unease spiked, too late to stop her. “Hello?” Javier’s deep timbre answered.
“Valeria here—from yesterday. Egret’s agreed to treat.”
“Valeria, are you mad?” Dominic erupted, slamming the table, shock and fury fused. How could she reach Egret—with him right there? Lies, surely—she’d ignored his warning!
Her smirk widened. “If you’re set on ruin, I won’t block you,” he scoffed, storming out.
A pause hung, then Javier’s voice returned, wary yet piqued. “Egret’s terms?”
“Consultation fee hinges on assessment,” Valeria said, measured. “Treatment’s patient-only—no exceptions, not even you.”
Silence stretched. Finch interjected, skepticism sharp. “Sir, this reeks of doubt—no witnesses, how’s it Egret?”
Javier’s lips thinned, resolve teetering. Valeria’s tone cooled. “If you doubt me, let’s end it. But you agreed to a hundred and fifty million—your call to back out still costs you. I’ll send banking details; wire it full.”
She hung up with a crisp click. Finch bristled, “She cut you off, sir—outrageous!”
Javier stayed mute, eyes flickering with deep, unspoken calculation.