Chapter 14 - THE SHADOW HANDLER
That evening, as twilight painted the sky in shades of purple and pink, Serena stood on the edge of the coastal cliff looking out at the crashing waves below. Ocean breeze played with her dark hair, carrying the cool scent of salt water.
Caleb walked up behind her, holding two glasses of sparkling cider. He handed one to her, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as they watched the horizon.
"The federal judge signed the final decree today," Caleb reported gently. "Julian was sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without possibility of parole. Victoria received fifteen years for financial conspiracy."
Serena took a sip of her drink, feeling a strange mix of sorrow and closure settle over her heart. "They ruined so many lives for money they couldn't even take with them."
"Power is an addiction for people like them," Caleb observed, looking out at the water. "They never learn until the cell door closes."
Suddenly, Serena's black smartphone buzzed inside her purse, signaling an incoming video file from an encrypted overseas server. She pulled out the device, tapping the screen to open the message.
The video displayed a high-resolution recording taken from a distance, showing Serena and Caleb standing on the exact cliff where they were currently located.
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A voiceover played through the phone speaker, smooth, polished, and chilled with an undeniable European accent.
"Congratulations on your victory, Serena," the voice spoke smoothly. "You removed the useless Vance family from my chessboard. Now, you and I can finally begin our real negotiations regarding your father's true legacy."
