Chapter 20 - The Unseen Caller
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That evening, I attended a private rooftop reception at the Sterling Imperial Hotel to celebrate the completion of our flagship eco-tower. The autumn night sky was clear, filled with stars reflecting off the glass skyscrapers surrounding us.
I stood near the edge of the roof garden, holding a glass of sparkling water, enjoying a rare moment of quiet peace.
The city below buzzed with energy—lights flickering, traffic moving like glowing ribbons through the streets. I felt completely grounded, supreme, and invincible.
Suddenly, a quiet, distinct chime vibrated inside my silk clutch purse.
It wasn't my corporate iPhone. It wasn't my personal device.
It was the encrypted satellite flip phone Julian Cross had handed me two nights ago.
My heart gave a subtle, electric thud. I stepped into a quiet alcove near the decorative water fountain and pulled the small black device from my bag.
The glowing screen displayed a single, non-registered international number from an encrypted satellite relay in London.
I flipped the phone open and brought it to my ear.
"Maya Vance," I said, my voice smooth, calm, and utterly fearless.
A smooth, unfamiliar female voice answered through the speaker, speaking with a subtle British accent and a razor-sharp tone.
"Good evening, Director Vance," the woman spoke softly. "Congratulations on crushing Declan and absorbing Vance Global. You played the domestic game brilliantly."
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Who is this?"
"My name is Victoria Sterling," the voice replied, sending a sudden, mysterious chill down my spine. "Your mother's estranged older sister... and the controlling director of the European Apex Syndicate."
I paused, holding my breath.
"My mother told me her family was gone," I said guarded.
"Your mother ran away to hide in Dorchester because she didn't have the stomach for real global power," Victoria chuckled darkly over the line. "She gave you a small playground in Boston, Maya. But your father's true legacy isn't in real estate. It's hidden in the private vaults of Geneva—and someone has just launched a hostile takeover against your mother's secret accounts."
"What accounts?" I demanded.
"The ones that fund your precious shelters," Victoria answered softly. "If you want to protect what your mother built, take the midnight flight to London tonight. A car is waiting for you at Logan Airport."
The line went dead with a soft click.
I lowered the flip phone, staring at the dark screen as the cool wind whipped my coat around my ankles.
Sarah walked up behind me, looking concerned. "Director Vance? Your private car is ready downstairs to take you home."
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I looked out over the glittering city skyline, sliding the encrypted phone back into my purse, a cold, dangerous smile spreading across my lips.
"Change of plans, Sarah," I instructed, my eyes burning with a new, fierce light. "Tell the pilot to prepare the jet. We're flying to London."
