Chapter 7 - The Shadows of the Past
Six months after the memorial on the hill, life at the Alliance Estate had transformed into a haven of warmth and joy.
The cold, silent halls that once echoed with isolation were now filled with the sound of music, laughter, and the patter of little feet. A golden retriever named Barnaby—Helena’s seventh birthday present from Victor—raced through the gardens, chasing butterflies while Helena ran behind him, her joyful screams echoing through the valley.
Victor sat on the terrace, watching them through a pair of reading glasses, a laptop open before him. He was no longer the feared, ruthless titan of Wall Street. He had stepped down as CEO of Alliance Conglomerate, appointing a trustworthy board of directors to manage the corporation while he took over full-time presidency of the Carmine Foundation.
His phone rang. It was Detective Vance from the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Victor picked it up, stepping away from the terrace edge. "Detective."
"Mr. Alliance," Vance’s tone was serious. "I'm calling to give you a heads-up. Julian Vance's sentencing trial is scheduled for next Tuesday. But we have a minor complication."
Victor’s eyebrows furrowed. "What complication?"
"Julian’s legal team filed an emergency motion alleging that key evidence obtained from the Mercantile Trust vault was secured without proper authorization," Vance explained. "Julian’s younger brother, Damian Vance, has just returned from Singapore. He’s taken over Julian’s defense, and he’s threatening to challenge the legality of the Carmine Trust adoption process."
Victor’s hand tightened around the phone. Damian Vance was even more ruthless and unscrupulous than his older brother, a corporate lawyer who specialized in offshore blackmail and illegal asset stripping.
"Damian Vance can challenge whatever he wants," Victor said coldly. "The adoption was finalized by the Supreme Court of New York three months ago. Helena is my legal daughter."
"I know, Victor," Vance warned softly. "But Damian isn't trying to win in court. He’s trying to create public mudslinging to force a settlement. Keep an eye on the girl. Men like Damian don't play by the rules."
Victor looked out at the garden where Helena was hugging Barnaby, her face bright with innocent joy.
A sudden, cold dread settled in Victor's chest. He had spent months dismantling the Vance criminal network, but he knew that wounded rats were the most dangerous when backed into a corner.
"Miles," Victor called out, stepping back into the study.
Miles, his head of security, stepped into the room instantly. "Yes, Mr. Alliance?"
"Double the estate security detail starting today," Victor commanded, his voice returning to its former steel-like tone. "I want two guards with Helena at all times—at school, at her music lessons, and in the garden. No unscheduled visitors near this estate."
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"Understood, sir," Miles nodded grimly. "Is there a specific threat?"
"Damian Vance is back in town," Victor said, looking out at his daughter. "And he's coming for my family."
