Chapter 20
A black luxury sedan rolled slowly up the estate's gravel driveway, stopping near the front entrance with quiet, unannounced discretion.
Arthur walked out to meet the vehicle, opening the rear door to retrieve a single, heavy leather envelope delivered by a federal courier.
He brought it over to the patio, handing it to Clara with a curious expression that suggested another twist in their extraordinary journey.
Clara opened the envelope, sliding out a handwritten letter bearing a familiar wax seal stamped with an unfamiliar, intricate dragon crest.
She read the opening lines, her eyes narrowing as a cold, calculating realization washed over her posture and expression.
"What does it say, Clara? Is there another syndicate threat hiding in the shadows?" Sarah asked, her protective instincts instantly flaring up.
"Not a threat... an invitation," Clara murmured, holding up the letter for both her father and Sarah to inspect closely.
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"The remnants of the European council are offering you a seat at the head of their global board," Arthur read aloud in absolute disbelief.
"They realized they can't defeat us, so they want us to absorb them and rule the global financial grid from the inside," Clara deduced calmly.
