THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW

~ 10 ~

Luke stood frozen, his cheek stinging where Laura’s hand had struck him. His body stiffened, humiliation creeping up his spine like a slow-burning fire. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room—sharp, scrutinizing, waiting to see his reaction. His fists clenched at his sides, but the anger boiling in his chest was overshadowed by a rare sensation: shame.

Laura stepped closer, the sharp tap of her heels against the marble floor slicing through the thick silence. The air around her was suffocating and commanding. When she spoke, her voice was deceptively calm, but every word was edged like a blade.

"You really think you can treat people however you want, Luke?" she asked, her tone a quiet storm. "You’ve crossed a line, and you will answer for it."

Luke opened his mouth, but his voice faltered. He had never felt powerless before, never been put in his place like this. He stole a glance at the crowd, seeing the judgment in their eyes, the silent amusement on some faces. His arrogance had abandoned him. Swallowing down his bruised pride, he forced himself to speak.

"Madam Laura, I didn't intend to offend you in any way with my actions," he said carefully, keeping his voice steady despite the heat rising in his chest. "I'm sorry."

Laura raised a hand, silencing him before he could say another word. Her presence alone was enough to command submission. Luke stiffened, not daring to move.

"Save your bullshit of an excuse, Luke Harrington," she said coldly. "You’ve bitten off more than you can chew. And for that, you should be punished."

Luke felt his breath hitch. Punished? A cold sweat ran down his back, but he quickly masked it with indifference. He forced a smirk, though it wavered at the edges.

"With all due respect, Madam," he said, his voice laced with forced confidence, "I haven't wronged anyone."

Laura's gaze darkened, the intensity of it making the room feel ten degrees colder. But before she could respond, Maya stepped forward, playing her role flawlessly.

"Madam, Luke only wanted to teach this… thing"—she shot Zach a disdainful look—"a good lesson." She let out a small, nervous chuckle, as if trying to downplay the situation. "I had already dumped his sorry ass, but he couldn’t accept it and followed us here to cause trouble. He’s just a lowlife commoner."

Zach’s lips twitched, but he didn't smile. He was beyond amused—he was disgusted. The woman he had once given everything to was now spinning lies so effortlessly just to protect her lover. But it didn’t hurt. Not anymore. If anything, her words only solidified his resolve.

Laura’s gaze snapped toward Maya, eyes narrowing with displeasure. "Lady, you better watch what you say and shut up."

Maya gasped, her face draining of color. A murmur rippled through the guests, whispers breaking out like wildfire. Just then, Barbara entered the room.

Luke, desperate, turned to her, believing she would side with him. He straightened his shoulders and inhaled sharply. "Barbara," he called, his voice regaining a hint of its usual arrogance. "Talk to Madam Laura, make her understand. I only wanted to put this dickhead in his place, but she misunderstood me."

Barbara’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing with unmistakable disapproval. The air around her shifted, cold and unyielding.

"How dare you speak so disrespectfully of Zach?" she snapped.

Luke’s smirk dropped. "Huh…?" His expression wavered, confusion flickering across his features.

Barbara stepped forward, her voice ringing with authority. "Listen to me clearly, Luke. Henceforth, your family’s dealings with First Star Bank have been canceled."

A collective gasp filled the room. Maya’s eyes widened in horror.

"What?!" she shrieked, her panic barely contained. She turned to Luke, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "You told me everything was secured! What will happen to our investment project?"

“What?" Maya was stunned and anxious because she knows what this will cause for her. If Luke's great family dealings with First Star Bank have been terminated, how will she secure the investment project?

Luke couldn’t answer. His father had told him earlier, but he had brushed it off. Now, reality was sinking in fast.

"Barbara, wait," he tried, his voice strained. "This is business, you can't—"

"Oh, I can," Barbara cut him off, her tone final. "And I just did."

Silence stretched between them, thick and choking.

Then Laura gave a single nod at her guards who she summoned with the snap of her fingers.

 "Throw him out."

Before Luke could react, two guards moved in. He stumbled back, shaking his head. "Wait! You can’t do this—"

Their grip was firm, unrelenting.

"Let go of me!" he barked, struggling, but it was useless.

Luke turned to Laura, his pride crumbling. "Please," he tried, voice almost desperate now.

Laura’s expression didn’t waver. "Consider this mercy, Luke," she said coldly. "Because if it were up to me, you’d be facing far worse."

With that, the guards hauled Luke toward the exit. His shouts echoed through the grand hall, but no one moved to help him. The doors swung open, and within moments, he was thrown outside, hitting the ground with a grunt.

Maya stared after him, her face pale. She turned back to Laura and Barbara, her lips trembling.

"Please," she whispered, a far cry from the confident, venomous woman she had been earlier. "There has to be a way to fix this."

Barbara didn’t even spare her a glance. Laura simply smirked.

"Actions have consequences, dear," she said smoothly. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to."

And with that, the room moved on as if Luke Harrington had never existed.

Maya rushed outside, her heels sinking into the damp lawn as she reached Luke, who was sprawled on the grass, seething. He shot a murderous glare at the guards before dusting himself off.

"Luke," Maya pleaded, grabbing his arm. "We can’t let this end like this. Go back inside and apologize to Madam Laura. If she forgives you, I can still win the investment project!"

Luke let out a bitter laugh, jerking his arm away. "Are you insane?" he snapped. "That woman humiliated me in front of everyone, and you want me to crawl back?"

Maya’s eyes darted nervously. "I’m sure Barbara only acted that way because she was scared of Madam Laura. You can fix this!"

Luke scoffed. "Fix it? With what? My dignity?" He shook his head in disgust. "You're on your own, Maya."

Without another word, he stormed off, leaving her standing there, speechless and desperate.