Chapter 19
Marcus opened the black velvet box, revealing a heavy gold signet ring resting on white silk.
The ring was carved with the same emblem of the raven holding a broken key.
"Your father didn't die in a crash three years ago, Charlotte," Marcus revealed, his voice steady and grave.
"He went into hiding in Europe to protect you from the Syndicate's internal civil war."
"He sent me to ensure you reclaimed the Manhattan hotel because this building houses the central vault."
Charlotte stared at the gold signet ring, her mind spinning as decades of family secrets unraveled.
"Where is my mother, Marcus?" Charlotte demanded, her eyes burning with fierce tears.
"Is she really alive in Paris?!"
Marcus took a deep breath, looking her directly in the eyes.
"Your mother is waiting for you in France, Charlotte," Marcus answered.
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"But before you can see her, you must assume your true seat at the head of the Raven Syndicate."
"If you refuse, the Syndicate will dismantle everything you built tonight, and your mother will remain in danger forever."
