Chapter 6 - The Fall of the House of Sterling
Within forty-eight hours, the Sterling empire began to collapse like a house of cards built on sand.
The news of the federal injunction sent Sterling Enterprises stock plunging by sixty-eight percent in a single trading session. Major banks pulled their credit lines, construction projects across the city came to a screeching halt, and the city council canceled two billion dollars in pending municipal infrastructure contracts.
Lucas tried frantically to contact Willow, leaving thirty voicemail messages, begging for a meeting, offering apologies, promising to go to counseling, promising anything if she would just ask her father to pause the legal proceedings.
Willow blocked his number.
Instead, she spent her days at Victoria Vance’s law firm on Michigan Avenue, working sixteen-hour shifts alongside forensic accountants, piecing together the intricate web of offshore shell companies Richard Sterling had used to hide his stolen fortune.
On Thursday afternoon, Willow was sitting in a glass-walled conference room reviewing bank statements when Helena Vance walked in carrying two large iced coffees and a box of fresh pastries.
"You look exhausted, partner," Helena smiled, setting a coffee in front of Willow.
"I am," Willow admitted, rubbing her eyes. "But we just found three hidden accounts in the Cayman Islands registered under Lucas's name. Richard was using his son as a straw-man to launder un-taxed patent royalties."
Helena took a sip of her coffee, looking at Willow with deep admiration. "You know, half the city is talking about you, Willow. The girl from Oak Park who brought down Chicago's most arrogant dynasty in less than a week."
Willow looked down at her hands—hands that were steady, strong, and no longer trembling.
"I didn't bring them down, Helena," Willow said softly. "Their own greed brought them down. We just shone a light into the room."
A knock came at the conference room door. Victoria Vance stepped inside, a grave expression on her face.
"Willow," Victoria said. "Lucas is downstairs in the lobby. He refuses to leave until he speaks with you. Security is preparing to remove him, but... he looks desperate."
May you like
Willow sat quietly for a moment, looking out the floor-to-ceiling window at the Chicago skyline.
"No," Willow said, standing up. "Don't have security kick him out. I'll talk to him."
