Chapter 17 - RECONCILIATION AT THE MANOR
Two days later, Adrian returned to the Sterling family estate in Upstate New York at his father's request.
The grand ballroom, where the public scandal had erupted days prior, was silent and dimly lit by afternoon shadows.
Richard Sterling sat near the fireplace, looking aged and defeated in his dark grey suit as Adrian approached.
"You destroyed Vance Group, Adrian... and you nearly brought down Sterling Financial with them," Richard said softly.
"I saved this family from being accomplice to a murderer, Father," Adrian replied, standing tall before him.
Richard looked up at his son, seeing a strength and integrity that he himself had lost decades ago.
"The board wants you back as CEO, Adrian," Richard admitted, his voice cracking with rare emotional vulnerability.
"On one condition," Adrian answered, pulling a legal document from his jacket pocket.
"The Sterling Foundation will cede full ownership of the New Jersey maritime port back to Maya Lin."
May you like
Richard looked at the document, taking a pen from his pocket, and signed his name without a word of protest.
***
