Chapter 19
Evelyn retreated to a private suite on the top floor of the St. Regis, spreading old family trees across the desk.
Marcus stood by the window, monitoring satellite surveillance feeds around the upstate sanatorium mentioned in the note.
"The sanatorium was officially closed in 1998, Ms. Vella," Marcus reported, looking over his tablet.
"Public records state the facility burned down in a mysterious electrical fire three days after your mother passed away."
Evelyn picked up the gold pocket watch, turning it over in her trembling fingers.
"My father didn't just steal from me and my mother, Marcus," Evelyn whispered, realization dawning upon her.
"He built this entire empire on a stolen identity and illegal confinement."
"If Victoria Vella is still alive, she holds the original, legal claim to every asset Vella Global owns."
Suddenly, Evelyn's silver smartphone vibrated on the desk, displaying an unlisted international number from Switzerland.
She answered the call, placing it on speaker so Marcus could hear the transmission.
"Hello, Evelyn," a low, elegant female voice spoke through the speaker, carrying an chilling accent of old money.
"I must congratulate you on removing Arthur and Lucas from my company."
"You handled them with far more efficiency than I expected."
Evelyn gripped the edge of the mahogany desk, her voice remaining steady despite the adrenaline surging through her veins.
"Who are you?" Evelyn demanded sharply.
"I am Victoria Vella," the woman replied softly, the sound of tea clinking against porcelain audible over the line.
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"Your father thought he wiped my existence from the world thirty years ago."
"But I have been watching you rebuild my empire from Zurich."
