Chapter 31 - The Shadows on the Coast**
Three weeks later, the morning sun rose over the rocky cliffs of the Maine coastline, casting warm golden light across the ocean.
Ethan stood on the cottage porch, holding a warm cup of coffee as Maya played happily on the wooden swing set.
The national news broadcast playing inside the kitchen announced the total collapse of the Vancorp Syndicate following the release of the dossier.
Samantha Reed and thirty-two high-ranking corporate officials were held in maximum-security federal facilities across three states.
Yet as Ethan looked out over the quiet blue Atlantic water, his burner phone vibrated softly on the porch railing.
He picked up the phone, answering the call without saying a single word.
A low, calm male voice spoke through the receiver, speaking with an elegant, unfamiliar foreign accent.
"You cleared the domestic branch, Mr. Miller... but the primary board meets in London next Tuesday."
May you like
Ethan didn't flinch; he looked at his daughter laughing on the swing, then down at the small iron key resting inside his coat pocket.
"Tell your board to bring their best people," Ethan replied cold as ice, hanging up the phone as a dark SUV pulled onto the gravel driveway.
