Chapter 13 - THE HAMPTONS AUCTION
Six months passed, bringing the bright warmth of early summer to the coastal estates of Long Island. The sun glistened off the Atlantic Ocean, casting a golden light across the manicured lawns of the former Vance oceanfront compound.
A large white tent stood on the eastern lawn, where a federal bankruptcy auction was being held to liquidate the seized assets of Vance Enterprises. Wealthy socialites, private equity investors, and art collectors sat in wooden chairs, bidding on luxury items.
Serena walked through the estate gardens, wearing an elegant emerald green dress that draped gracefully over her figure. Her leg had fully healed, her step confident and firm as she walked beside Caleb, who wore a relaxed linen jacket.
"It feels strange standing here," Serena remarked softly, looking at the grand white mansion that had once felt like a golden cage. "My father always loved the ocean view from this cliff."
"Today you buy it all back under your family's original name," Caleb reminded her with a warm, genuine smile. "Without a single penny of Vance money attached to it."
The auctioneer's voice boomed through the loudspeaker, announcing the final lot of the day: the primary oceanfront deed to the five-acre estate.
"We have an opening bid of fifteen million dollars from the gentleman in the front row!" the auctioneer called out, looking around the tent.
May you like
Serena raised her bidding paddle without hesitation. "Twenty-five million dollars," she announced clearly, her voice echoing across the lawn.
The crowd gasped at the massive jump, looking around to see the young woman who had brought down one of the most powerful defense dynasties in the country. No one raised another paddle, and the auctioneer's gavel slammed down with a resounding thud.
