Chapter 11 - The Reckoning of Vance Global
Autumn approached, bringing with it the inevitable cold winds from the corporate world. Arthur Vance's corrupt network had ran deep, and Julian was summoned back to Manhattan to face a hostile takeover attempt led by former disgruntled board members.
"They are claiming mental incompetence," Julian told Maya over dinner in the cottage kitchen, laying out legal notices. "Sterling has leaked stories to the press alleging I've abandoned the company to live in seclusion with an illegitimate family."
Noah looked up from his pasta, his brow furrowing. "What's il-le-git-i-mate?"
Julian gently ruffled his son's hair. "It’s a foolish word used by foolish men who don't know what real treasure looks like, buddy."
Later that evening, after the children were asleep, Maya found Julian in the study, his face illuminated by the harsh glow of his laptop, surrounded by legal briefs.
"Let me go with you," Maya said, standing in the doorway.
Julian looked up, surprised. "Maya, no. The press will tear into you. They will dig into your past, your mother's illness, everything."
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"I survived your grandfather, Julian. A few tabloid photographers cannot hurt me," she said firmly, walking over and placing her hands over his weary fingers on the keyboard. "They are attacking your legitimacy because they think you are weak, broken, and hiding in shame. Show them you are whole. Show them that family is not a liability, but the reason you fight."
Julian pulled her hands up to his lips, kissing her knuckles with profound reverence. "You give me courage I never knew I had."
