Chapter 10 - The Sterling Manor Awakens
By dawn, the storm had cleared, leaving a pale pink sunrise stretching across the Atlantic coastline. The Sterling Manor, usually silent and forbidding, buzzed with private security, lawyers, and estate staff preparing for an unprecedented press conference.
Elena stood on the grand terrace, wearing a clean tailored suit provided by Marian’s personal tailor. The cold ocean breeze tossed her dark curls as she stared at the sprawling manicured lawns.
Footsteps approached. Julian walked out, holding two cups of steaming black coffee. He handed one to her without a word.
""You handled yourself well last night,"" Julian said quietly, leaning his forearms against the stone balustrade.
""I had no choice,"" Elena replied, taking a sip. ""It still feels like a dream. Yesterday I was scrubbing roasting pans for twelve dollars an hour. Today your lawyers are handing me portfolios worth more than my entire neighborhood.""
""It belonged to your mother,"" Julian stated firmly. ""My father and grandfather were harsh men, blinded by outdated traditions. They punished Camille for choosing love over business. I spent the last ten years trying to right their wrongs.""
""And Beatrice’s parting words?"" Elena asked, turning to look at him. ""Who is 'The Council'?""
Julian’s face darkened, the easy posture vanishing. He set his cup down, looking out over the water.
""The Vance family wasn't the only partner in the maritime logistics network,"" Julian answered. ""There are four other families who control the eastern trade corridors. They profited off Beatrice’s embezzled accounts. With Beatrice arrested and your inheritance restored, their dirty money is completely frozen.""
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""So they'll come after me.""
""They'll try,"" Julian replied, his eyes hardening with lethal resolve. ""Which is why today, we don't just announce your return. We declare war.""
