Chapter 5 - Shadows of the Past
Two weeks after the divorce was finalized, I was back in full control of Greer Vale Holdings. The transition at Cross Meridian was seamless; I stepped into the role of Executive Chairwoman, bringing in a highly qualified female CEO from our European division to replace Julian. The company’s stock soared by 15% following the announcement of professional, transparent leadership.
I had re-secured my empire, but my personal life felt like an empty shell. I moved out of the penthouse—it carried too many toxic memories—and relocated to a restored historic brownstone in Gold Coast, a neighborhood with quiet charm and ancient oak trees.
One evening, as I was leaving my office building late, I noticed a sleek black SUV idling near the curb. I paid it no mind, assuming it was a rideshare service, until a man stepped out of the shadow of the portico.
He wasn't Julian. He was older, sharper, with silvery hair and eyes that looked like cold steel.
"Amelia," he said, his voice deep and smooth.
I paused, my bodyguard, Marcus, instantly stepping between us. "Stay back, sir," Marcus ordered.
"It's alright, Marcus," I said, recognizing the man immediately. It was Victor Sterling—my late father’s former business partner and the founder of Sterling Capital, one of the most ruthless private equity firms in the country. He was also the man my father had ruined fifteen years ago in a fierce boardroom battle.
"Victor," I said calmly. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"
Victor smiled, a cold, predatory expression. "I’ve been watching your little domestic drama in the papers. Very impressive how you handled young Julian. You have your father’s ruthlessness, Amelia."
"I have my father’s business acumen," I corrected. "What do you want, Victor? I’m busy."
"I want what your father took from me," Victor said, stepping closer, ignoring Marcus’s tense posture. "Your father destroyed my stake in the Great Lakes logistics corridor. He pushed me out. And for years, I waited for him to make a mistake. He died before I could take my revenge, but then you... you did something very stupid."
My eyes narrowed. "Elaborate."
"You put Julian Cross in charge of Cross Meridian," Victor said with a quiet laugh. "And while you were busy protecting his fragile ego, Julian was looking for ways to make his own money. He came to me two years ago, Amelia. He was looking for investors for a secret side venture. And to secure my capital, he put up a very interesting piece of collateral."
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A cold knot formed in my stomach. "What collateral?"
"Twenty percent of the voting shares in Greer Vale Holdings," Victor whispered, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Shares that you foolishly gave him on your second wedding anniversary."
