Chapter 23 - SECRETS FROM ABROAD
That evening, the family gathered in the formal dining room for a quiet dinner prepared by the estate chef.
Claire handed Lily a handcrafted wooden music box carved by artisans in Kenya, which played a gentle lullaby.
After Mrs. Gable led the tired child upstairs to bed, Claire joined Julian in his private library for a serious talk.
"I didn't just come back to visit, Julian," Claire said softly, setting her tea glass down on the mahogany table.
"While I was working at the clinic in Nairobi, I met a patient who used to work for Victoria's family in Chicago," she revealed.
Julian leaned forward instantly, his instincts sharpening as his sister continued speaking.
"This man claimed that Victoria wasn't working alone when she entered your life six months ago," Claire explained.
"He said her family belonged to an international syndicate operating out of London and New York."
Julian’s mind raced as he connected his sister's warning with the corporate attacks he had recently dismantled.
"They didn't just want my money," Julian realized out loud. "They wanted access to Sterling Financial's global defense logistics contracts."
Claire nodded slowly, confirming her brother's darkest suspicions.
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"Victoria was just the tip of the spear, Julian," Claire warned softly. "The real leaders haven't even revealed themselves yet."
***
