Chapter 9 - THE GHOST OF THE PAST
Back at the Vance Global headquarters, Victoria stood alone on the thirty-fifth-floor balcony, looking out over the city.
The Manhattan wind whipped her dark hair across her face as she clutched a small silver locket in her palm.
Arthur stepped out onto the balcony, holding a warm cup of black coffee and offering it to her.
"You've won the war before lunch, Victoria," Arthur said gently, leaning against the glass railing. "Why do you still look like you're heading into battle?"
Victoria opened the silver locket, revealing a faded photograph of a young woman standing outside a courthouse in Boston.
"Because my mother never saw this day, Arthur," Victoria replied, her voice barely audible over the city traffic. "They destroyed her reputation, her company, and her life before I was even ten years old."
"And today, their dynasty lies in ruins," Arthur reminded her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Your mother's memory has finally been vindicated."
"Not yet," Victoria said, turning her sharp hazel eyes toward him. "Braden's father is still hiding in the Cayman Islands."
May you like
Arthur sighed, taking a sip of his coffee. "The extradition treaty with the Caymans takes weeks to process through international courts."
"We aren't waiting weeks," Victoria stated firmly, closing the locket with a sharp click. "Book the private jet for Grand Cayman tonight."
