Chapter 5 - The Final Reckoning
Six months later, the final court trials concluded.
Adrian Vale was sentenced to twenty-five years in a maximum-security prison for a combination of aggravated domestic assault, corporate embezzlement, and tax evasion. Because my father controlled the prison logistics contract, Adrian was placed in a facility where he would receive no special treatment—just hard labor and the cold reality of his crimes for the rest of his youth.
Vanessa didn't escape either. She was sued into oblivion by both her own family and the Sterling estate for corporate espionage and fraud. With no money left, she was forced to work minimum-wage jobs just to pay off her mounting legal debts, forever banned from entering any high-society establishment in the country.
I stood in the oval office of Sterling Phoenix, signing the final acquisition papers that expanded our empire into Europe.
My assistant knocked on the door. "Ms. Sterling, there is someone here to see you. He says he’s an old friend."
I looked up. Walking into the room was Julian Vance, the brilliant, young human-rights attorney who had handled my criminal case against Adrian. Throughout the entire trial, Julian had been an unwavering pillar of support, protecting me from the media circus and ensuring justice was served swiftly.
"Julian," I smiled, putting my pen down. "What brings you to the top floor?"
Julian smiled, holding a bouquet of white lilies—my favorite. "Just wanted to congratulate the new Queen of Commerce on her European expansion. And... to see if she’s finally free for dinner tonight. No business talk. Just us."
May you like
I looked at Julian. He was handsome, but unlike Adrian’s dangerous, toxic charm, Julian’s eyes held a deep warmth, intelligence, and genuine respect. He had known who I was from the beginning, and he had never once tried to use my name for his own gain.
"I would love to," I replied, walking around the desk.
