Chapter 30 - The Unopened Envelope
One year later, a glorious summer wedding was held on the sprawling seaside lawn of the Vance Estate.
Distinguished guests, federal agents, and friends gathered under grand flower arches to celebrate the union of Richard and Maria.
Maria walked down the aisle wearing a stunning white lace gown, her hand resting gently on her brother Carlos's arm.
Leo stood beside Richard as the ring bearer, wearing a miniature navy blue tuxedo matching his father's.
Under the warm afternoon sun, Richard and Maria exchanged vows of everlasting love, devotion, and family strength.
As the minister declared them husband and wife, thunderous applause erupted across the seaside lawn.
The tall American flag flapped majestically near the entrance, symbolizing the freedom and justice they had fought so fiercely to reclaim.
That evening, after the wedding guests had departed and Leo was fast asleep upstairs, Richard and Maria sat together on the front porch.
The warm ocean breeze rustled the leaves of the oak trees as they held hands, sipping champagne under the moonlight.
"We did it, Mrs. Vance," Richard whispered softly, kissing her forehead.
"We built our sanctuary," Maria agreed with a deep, tranquil smile.
Suddenly, a sharp knock sounded on the front wooden gate.
Richard stood up, his military instincts briefly flickering as he walked down the porch steps.
Resting on the welcome mat was an unmarked black envelope stamped with a red wax seal.
Richard picked up the envelope, opening it under the entry light.
Inside was a high-resolution surveillance photo showing a bustling street corner in Rome, Italy.
Standing near a cafe was a shadowy figure wearing a dark coat, holding a pair of binoculars focused on a photograph of Leo.
Taped to the back of the surveillance photo was a handwritten message written in thick black ink:
May you like
"Eleanor and Arthur were just the beginning. The real master of the Sterling trust is waiting for Leo's eighteenth birthday."
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