Chapter 15 - The Apex Syndicate
Six months after Gregory's conviction, a new atmosphere of prosperity and peace settled over Sterling Hotels Global.
Harrison Sterling was fully restored to health, residing comfortably at his private estate in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Victoria, now officially crowned as the youngest female CEO in the company's history, managed operations from the flagship Chicago property.
However, on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, an unmarked black envelope stamped with a gold crest arrived at her desk via diplomatic courier.
Inside was a high-resolution photograph of a private cargo ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles, surrounded by armed guards.
Accompanying the photo was a typed letter on heavy parchment paper that made Victoria's heart skip a beat.
"Miss Sterling, your uncle Gregory was merely a junior lieutenant in a global consortium known as the Apex Syndicate."
"Your late grandfather signed an agreement with us in 1974, granting our syndicate secret access to your hotel network."
"If you refuse to honor this contract, we will burn your properties to the ground one by one, starting in Chicago tonight."
May you like
Victoria slammed the letter onto her desk, her dark eyes flashing with pure fire as she immediately summoned Marcus to her office.
---
