Chapter 10: Family Secrets
The library was illuminated only by the warm glow of the desk lamp as Julian poured two glasses of scotch, keeping one for himself and placing the other untouched on the mahogany desk before Catherine. She remained standing, her tailored woolen coat dripping rainwater onto the Persian rug as she surveyed the book-lined walls with an expression of aristocratic disdain. She made no effort to hide her contempt for Julian’s sudden descent into domesticity, openly mocking the idea that four unverified children could inherit the vast real estate empire built by generations of Vances.
Julian remained remarkably calm, his voice dropping an octave as he demanded to know how she had managed to bypass the estate’s advanced electronic security perimeter without triggering a complete system lockdown. Catherine laughed softly, a dry, humorless sound that echoed uncomfortably in the quiet room. She explained that security codes were easily acquired when one still held dormant shares in the parent company, hinting that she had allies within the board of directors who were eager to see Julian step down from his CEO position.
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She slid a thick dossier across the desk, claiming it contained proof that Clara had signed a financial settlement years ago relinquishing all claims to the Vance estate in exchange for an undisclosed sum of money. Julian opened the folder, his eyes scanning the legal text quickly. He instantly recognized the document as a poorly forged replica, noting several glaring discrepancies in the notary seal and the outdated corporate letterhead used by his father’s former legal counsel.
Julian closed the dossier with a decisive snap, looking his aunt directly in the eye. He informed her that forgery was a federal offense and that her presence on the property constituted trespassing, giving Miller full authority to escort her off the grounds immediately if she did not leave of her own accord. Catherine’s aristocratic facade faltered for a fraction of a second, revealing a flash of genuine panic before she masked it with a chilling smile, warning Julian that the board would not be as easily convinced of his sudden moral awakening.
