Chapter 15 - The Vance Legacy
Three months later, the high society of the capital still buzzed with the scandal that had shattered the Vance dynasty. Lady Genevieve had been sentenced to exile in the penal colonies, Richard remained locked in the city gaol, and the infamous Vance shipping empire had officially named a new co-heir: Clara Vance.
Clara stood on the grand balcony of the estate, wearing an elegant emerald dress that matched the lush summer gardens below. The river moved sluggishly in the distance, carrying ships loaded with flour, spices, and trade goods to distant lands under her personal seal.
Julian joined her, leaning against the stone railing, fully recovered, holding two glasses of chilled cider. He handed one to her with an approving nod.
""The Board approved the new bakeries in the southern district this morning,"" Julian noted, watching her with pride. ""Three hundred families will be employed by next week. Just as you demanded.""
Clara smiled, taking a sip of the sweet cider. ""Wealth is meaningless if it only feeds the gluttony of the few, Julian. My mother taught me that, too.""
""She would be proud of you,"" Julian said softly.
A sudden, sharp knock at the balcony doors interrupted them. The butler, bowing low, stepped forward holding a silver tray with a wax-sealed letter bearing the crest of the Royal Ministry.
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""A dispatch from the capital, Lady Clara,"" the butler announced tensely. ""The King has summoned the Vance family to court. It appears your mother’s past... holds secrets far deeper than the Vance bloodline.""
Clara and Julian exchanged a single, electrified glance as thunder rumbled faintly over the horizon."
