Chapter 31 - The Mount Vernon Vault
Three days later, a formal invitation arrived at Victoria's Manhattan penthouse from the White House Security Council.
The letter requested her immediate presence at a private vault located beneath the historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
Victoria stood at the edge of the Potomac River alongside Marcus, holding her grandfather's gold key as the sun set over the water.
A secret stone door beneath the historic estate swung open slowly, revealing a dimly lit staircase descending deep into the earth.
At the bottom of the stairs sat an ancient wooden desk, illuminated by a single spotlight, holding a sealed parchment envelope.
Victoria walked forward, her high heels clicking softly against the stone floor, and picked up the heavy envelope.
Written on the front in bold, gold ink were the words: "To the Keeper of the First American Archive - The Final Test Begins."
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Victoria turned the envelope over, her thumb touching the crimson wax seal as Marcus stood guard at the top of the stairs.
As she broke the wax seal, a low mechanical rumble vibrated beneath her feet, and the heavy stone door behind her began to close...
