Chapter 17 - The Unseen Shadow In Geneva
By the following summer, the Vance Foundation had expanded its programs across three major East Coast cities.
Leo had excelled at the Lexington School, earning a full academic scholarship to Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.
Clara was invited to present her ground-breaking curriculum research at an international educational summit in Geneva, Switzerland.
She stood inside the grand glass auditorium of the United Nations headquarters, looking out at delegates from over fifty nations.
Her presentation on accessible technology for deaf youth was met with a standing ovation from the international audience.
As she stepped off the main stage into the quiet, marble-lined VIP lounge, an elderly man in a dark grey double-breasted suit approached her.
He carried an air of immense, ancient European wealth, his silver hair slicked back, his posture rigid and military-like.
"Miss Clara Miller," the man spoke in a smooth, heavily accented French voice, holding out a silver-trimmed business card.
"I am Henri Laurent, chief legal counsel for the Laurent Banking Group in Zurich."
Clara accepted the card politely, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "How can I help you, Mr. Laurent?"
The man offered a small, mysterious smile, leaning in slightly closer to speak below the lounge noise.
May you like
"I am here on behalf of your late mother's family, Clara," Mr. Laurent whispered.
"The family whose real identity was hidden from you when you were adopted in New York twenty-five years ago."
