Chapter 3 - Blood and Mortgages
Elena did not flinch. ""Julian forged my name with the Russian underworld because legitimate banks refused him last week. How predictable.""
""If he defaults, the syndicate won't go to court,"" Arthur warned. ""They seize physical assets. And according to the paperwork Julian filed, the collateral listed was the Vance art vault in Zurich.""
Elena’s fingers curled into the mahogany trim of the table. The vault held heirlooms spanning four generations, including her late mother's jewelry collection. Julian had searched her private safe before kicking her out into the rain, evidently hunting for anything that could save his sinking ship. He believed she was merely a pampered wife who would crumble under social humiliation. He had no idea she owned the vault, the ground underneath it, and half the financial institutions that held the Romanovs' dirty cash.
""Let them seize nothing,"" Elena said, her voice dropping an octave. ""Arthur, summon Dominic Romanov directly. Tell him the Chairwoman of Vance Holdings wishes to have breakfast.""
""Dominic rarely takes private meetings, Elena. He operates in shadows.""
""He will come,"" Elena said flatly. ""Remind him who authorized the release of his family's frozen assets in Cyprus three years ago. He owes me a life.""
At 6:00 AM, the first light of dawn broke across the city. Down in the affluent suburbs, Julian was just waking up beside Clara in the master suite. The peace, however, was shattered by the screech of heavy tires and the relentless banging on the front doors.
Julian pulled on his silk robe, cursing under his breath as he stormed downstairs. ""Who the hell is making noise at this hour?""
He yanked the doors wide open, expecting delivery couriers or gardeners. Instead, six armed marshals stood on the steps, flanked by the county sheriff and a moving crew dressed in dark jumpsuits.
""Julian Sterling?"" the sheriff asked coldly.
""Yes! What is the meaning of this? Do you know who I am?""
""You have thirty minutes to collect personal clothing and vacate the premises,"" the sheriff announced, handing him a red-stamped warrant. ""By order of the supreme court, ownership of this estate has reverted entirely to Elena Vance. You are officially trespassing on Vance territory.""
Behind Julian, Clara came down the marble stairs clutching her silk robe, her face draining of all color. ""Julian... what is happening?""
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Julian looked down at the court seal, his hands shaking with sudden, violent disbelief. ""Vance? Elena’s last name was Miller! She was an orphan!""
""Evidently not, sir,"" the sheriff replied, signaling his men to enter. ""Start the lock change.""
