Chapter 14 - The Final Condition
Julian looked down at Elena’s outstretched hand, a faint, genuine smile touching the corners of his well-groomed beard. He reached out and gripped her hand firmly, sealing the agreement with a steady, professional handshake.
"Name your condition," Julian said without hesitation.
"I don't want any special treatment because of what happened today," Elena said, her dark eyes locking onto his with unwavering resolve. "I want to earn every single credit at that university on my own merit, and when I join your executive team, I start at the entry-level compliance desk just like everyone else. No shortcuts, no favors."
Julian’s smile widened, a deep sense of respect settling into his chest. "Agreed. You start at the bottom of the corporate ladder, exactly where you started here. Only this time, the stairs lead up instead of down."
Elena nodded, releasing his hand and turning back to zip her canvas duffel bag closed with a firm, decisive pull. "I will start classes on Monday morning. But until then, I have a few final things to pack and a proper goodbye to give the rest of the staff."
"Take all the time you need, Elena," Julian said, turning toward the door. "The estate's guest suite is yours for as long as you need to get settled."
As Julian walked out of the room and down the quiet hallway, a profound sense of lightness settled over him. For the first time in years, the grand mansion felt less like a heavily guarded fortress and more like a home.
Later that evening, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, golden amber rays across the manicured lawns and illuminating the crystal chandelier in the grand foyer. Julian sat at his polished mahogany desk in the private study, reviewing the final encrypted audit reports sent over by Agent Miller. The corporate accounts were secure, the foreign assets had been frozen, and Evelyn Sterling was currently being processed in a federal detention facility awaiting trial.
The intercom on his desk buzzed softly. Julian pressed the talk button.
"Yes?" Julian asked.
"Mr. Vance," the head of domestic staff announced over the speaker. "There is a courier at the front security gate dropping off a personal envelope addressed to you. It was flagged by the automated inspection system."
Julian frowned slightly, leaning back in his leather chair. "Bring it up to the study immediately."
May you like
Ten minutes later, a young footman knocked softly on the study door and entered,
[... đã cắt bớt, xem bản đầy đủ trong tệp trên máy ...]
