My Husband Slapped Me and Ordered Me to Kneel—He Never Knew I Owned His Entire Empire / Chapter 2 / 25

Chapter 2 - The Escalante Empire

The drive to the financial district took less than twenty minutes. The black SUV glided smoothly into the underground parking garage of Vanguard Holdings, the largest private equity firm in the country.

The name on my marriage certificate was Mariana Silva. A quiet, unassuming girl who worked as a financial analyst.

But my real name was Mariana Escalante.

My father, Alejandro Escalante, controlled a global syndicate of real estate, shipping, and equity investments. I was his only heir. Four years ago, I wanted to experience a life free from the suffocating weight of my family's wealth. I wanted to be loved for who I was, not for what my bank accounts held.

When I met Andrew, he was a charismatic, ambitious entrepreneur trying to save his grandfather's failing logistics company. I fell in love with his drive. When we married, I chose to keep my identity hidden.

But when his company hit the brink of bankruptcy two years into our marriage, I couldn't bear to watch him fail. So, I secretly purchased his debt. I funneled eighty million dollars through Vanguard Holdings to stabilize his empire, buying the mortgage on his mansion and quietly becoming the majority shareholder of his company.

I gave him the illusion of success. I handed him the crown, and he used it to look down on me.

The private elevator opened on the top floor. I walked into the expansive penthouse office where my father stood looking out over the city skyline.

"You're bleeding, Mariana," he said softly, turning around. His sharp eyes immediately caught the cut on my palm and the angry red mark on my cheek.

"It's nothing, Papa."

Alejandro's jaw tightened. "I gave you four years to play this game. I stayed away because you asked me to. But no one strikes an Escalante and keeps their hands."

"I don't want you to touch him," I said, walking over to the massive mahogany desk. "I want to dismantle him myself."

My father nodded, a dangerous glint in his eye. He pressed a button on his desk. "Send in the legal team."

Within minutes, six of the most ruthless corporate attorneys in the city entered the room.

"Status," I demanded.

"Mrs. Escalante," the lead attorney began. "As of 11:45 PM, we have initiated the default protocols. Andrew's logistics company is officially in breach of the covenant clauses you secretly structured into his bailout funding. We have frozen his corporate operating accounts."

"And the personal assets?" I asked.

"The mansion's deed is held by Vanguard Properties. The courtesy lease allowed him to reside there as long as he maintained a controlling interest in his company. Since he is in default, the lease is terminated. The luxury vehicles are leased under the corporate umbrella, which we now control."

I looked out the window, watching the city lights flicker in the rain.

"Cut the credit lines," I said coldly. "Cancel the black cards. Block Margaret's trust allowance. I want them to wake up tomorrow morning with absolutely nothing."