I surveyed this pack of frenzied souls and issued my final caution, "Each item here is of considerable value. Proceed with care, or you may find yourselves unable to bear the cost of your actions."
Stella seized a cherished piece of painting that I had treasured for years. With a contemptuous flourish, she tore it asunder before my eyes.
"I shall raze them all to the ground! What recourse have you against me?"
In a tempest of fury, Stella ravaged the painting, shredding them into oblivion. With a defiant flourish, she doused the remnants in graffiti spray paint, defacing what was once a masterpiece.
Amidst the chaos, a keen-eyed connoisseur stooped to gather the tattered fragments. His voice trembled with reverence as he whispered, "This, I believe, is the work of Van Gogh. Were it to grace the auction block, it would command a starting bid of a staggering 100 million dollars."
The revelation struck Stella like a thunderbolt, freezing her in her tracks. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she grappled with the enormity of her actions. The realization that a mere stroke of her hand could have obliterated over 100 million dollars left her reeling.
"Ms. Carter, don't be afraid. These treasures were acquired with the funds of your boyfriend. Is not his wealth yours? Why should you be worried about damaging your things?"
This exchange elicited a sardonic chuckle from me.
After all, Howard was hardly a paragon of wealth. Even if he were entrusted with a subsidiary company, his incompetence would render it worthless, its market value a mere fraction of the artwork's worth.
Were it not for our marital bond, I would have long since fired him.
Stella, however, remained moved.
"My boyfriend's wealth is mine, and thus, his acquisitions are my domain. If I choose to destroy what is mine, what business is it of yours? Destroy it all!" Stella commanded.
At her bidding, the mob surged forward. Their frenzy intensified as if fueled by a potent elixir.
Not a single vase, antique, or piece of jewelry was spared.
They lifted them and hurled them to the ground, where they shattered into countless fragments.
One by one, they slashed at the Chanel dresses and Hermès bags with scissors.
They were like robbers entering my villa.
The once-pristine villa was transformed into a battlefield of shattered dreams and broken treasures.