Chapter 62: The Cost of Arrogance
by SlivvoThe morning sun bathed Orlando in golden light, but inside a lavish hotel suite, Tyler Collins was pale as a ghost.
His hands trembled as he stared at his computer screen, the glow illuminating his panic-stricken face.
“Damn it! I lost again! What the hell is going on!?”
He gripped his phone, sweat dripping from his forehead as he yelled into the speaker.
“You promised me these were solid investments! How the hell did the developer get seized for breaking regulations!?”
A nervous voice responded on the other end.
“Mr. Collins… all the companies you invested in crashed overnight. The SEC is investigating, and some CEOs have been arrested. It’s all over.”
Tyler’s chest tightened.
“Impossible…” he muttered, his throat dry.
His $75 million investment was supposed to make him rich beyond belief. Instead, he had lost it all.
His hands clenched into fists.
“How did this happen!?”
Just last night, everything was fine. He was winning big, but now, he was completely broke.
His father’s money was gone.
His company was in shambles.
And today was supposed to be his wedding day.
He felt lightheaded, his stomach twisting in knots.
‘If Dad finds out about this…’
His blood ran cold.
Suddenly, a soft knock came at the door.
“Tyler, are you ready?”
Hailey’s gentle voice carried through the door, snapping him back to reality.
Tyler forced himself to breathe.
He couldn’t let Hailey know. Not now.
He slammed his laptop shut, wiped the sweat from his brow, and adjusted his tie.
Then, with forced confidence, he strode to the door, plastering a smile on his face.
“Of course, babe. I’m ready.”
Jordan’s Birthday—And His Revenge
Across the city, inside the luxurious Rose Garden Villas, Jordan Steele stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting the cufflinks on his crisp tailored suit.
The room was quiet, except for the rhythmic ticking of the antique clock.
Victoria Clarke walked in, her emerald dress hugging her curves as she carried a leather-bound invitation list.
“Mr. Steele,” she said with a smirk, “everyone important in Orlando has confirmed attendance at your birthday banquet tonight.”
Jordan buttoned his suit jacket, his expression unreadable.
“Good.”
Victoria tilted her head, watching him.
“You still plan to attend the wedding, don’t you?”
Jordan met her gaze in the mirror.
“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
He adjusted his tie, his calm demeanor masking the storm brewing within him.
“Let’s make today unforgettable.”
The Wedding Ceremony – A Grand Illusion
At 10:45 AM, guests flooded the Ritz Carlton Orlando, where the Collins and Camden families had spared no expense for the wedding.
Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the opulent ballroom, where white roses lined the marble aisle.
Hailey Camden sat in the bridal suite, her silk gown shimmering as she admired herself in the mirror.
She was radiant, but her smile faltered as she touched the diamond ring on her finger.
‘Why am I thinking about Jordan?’
She clenched her hands.
‘Today, I’m Hailey Collins. I should be happy.’
A bridesmaid peeked in.
“Hailey, it’s time.”
Hailey took a deep breath, then stood up.
‘Goodbye, Jordan Steele. Today, I become the wife of a true billionaire.’
A Wedding Crashing Arrival
At 10:55 AM, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up outside the Ritz Carlton.
Jordan stepped out, his presence commanding attention.
Dressed in a black suit with a gold emblem, he exuded the aura of a king surveying his domain.
By his side, Victoria Clarke walked confidently, her dress flowing elegantly.
They entered the ballroom, drawing the eyes of every guest.
Jordan’s cold gaze swept across the venue, stopping at Tyler—who was standing near the altar, his confidence wavering.
Jordan smirked.
“Happy wedding day, Tyler.”
Tyler’s face twitched.
“What the hell are you doing here!?”
Jordan simply handed over his invitation.
“Didn’t you personally invite me?”
Tyler’s jaw tightened.
The crowd murmured, curious about the tension between the two men.
Suddenly, a hostess ran into the ballroom, her face pale.
She rushed straight to Leonard Collins, whispering frantically.
“Mr. Collins, there’s a problem…”
Leonard’s face darkened.
“What problem!?”
The hostess hesitated, glancing at Tyler.
“Your son’s investments have collapsed. The SEC is investigating him. Your company’s stock… is plummeting.”
Leonard’s expression froze.
The room suddenly felt suffocating.
“What did you just say?”
The hostess handed him a tablet, showing the breaking news headlines.
COLLINS FAMILY HOTELS FACING BANKRUPTCY AMIDST FINANCIAL SCANDAL
SEC PROBING INVESTMENTS LINKED TO TYLER COLLINS
Leonard staggered back, his face turning ashen.
“Tyler… what have you done!?”
Tyler’s hands trembled.
“This isn’t… this isn’t possible!”
He turned to Jordan, his face red with fury.
“You… YOU DID THIS!”
Jordan smirked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But his eyes said it all.
He had orchestrated everything.
The Collins were ruined.
And Hailey Camden… had just married a man who had nothing left.
The wedding guests whispered, confusion spreading like wildfire.
“What’s going on?”
“Did Tyler just… lose everything?”
The whispers grew louder.
Hailey, standing at the entrance, froze as she overheard everything.
Her breath hitched.
She clutched her wedding dress, her mind spinning.
‘No… this can’t be happening.’
She turned toward Jordan, desperation in her eyes.
“Jordan… what have you done!?”
Jordan simply smiled.
“Me? Nothing at all.”
He adjusted his cufflinks.
“This is just karma catching up.”
Hailey staggered back, her vision blurring.
She had traded Jordan for Tyler…
…only to realize, at the worst possible moment, that she had chosen wrong.
Jordan turned away.
“The wedding will still go on,” he said indifferently. “After all, a promise is a promise.”
With that, he walked out of the ballroom, leaving Hailey and Tyler drowning in their downfall.
And the real party?
His grand birthday banquet—set to begin tonight.
0 Comments