Chapter 6: Echoes from the Rubble
Chapter 6: Echoes from the Rubble
The new life in the peaceful coastal town was quieter than Lily had ever imagined. There were no flashing paparazzi cameras, no lavish but superficial galas of the Vanderbilt social circle. Yet the past, somehow, always knew how to find its way back.
On a crisp early autumn morning, as Lily was helping Eleanor organize old boxes of books at the office of their new charity, "Sarah’s Dream," a sleek, luxury car pulled up directly in front of the door. The license plate made Lily’s heart drop.
James’s former assistant stepped out of the vehicle. Holding a thick stack of legal documents, he walked inside with a cold, expressionless face.
"Miss Lily, Mrs. Eleanor. I am here on behalf of Mr. James."
He placed the heavy stack of papers on the desk.
Eleanor didn’t even look at the documents. She calmly took a sip of her tea and raised her eyes, her gaze as sharp as it had been during her days at the helm of a fashion empire.
"What kind of game is James trying to play now? The settlement from the canceled wedding has already been finalized, hasn't it?"
The assistant cleared his throat, clearly intimidated by the aura of the once-powerful matriarch.
"Mr. James is demanding compensation for reputational damage. The scandal you personally exposed to the press has caused the Vanderbilt Group's stock to plummet. He requires both of you to sign a non-disclosure agreement and transfer the rights of your old fashion brand to him."
Lily took a step forward, shielding Eleanor. Her eyes no longer held the vulnerability of the manipulated bride she once was.
"Tell James that his reputation rotted from the inside out—no one destroyed it for him. And Aunt Eleanor's brand has already been laid to rest. What does he want with a lifeless corpse?"
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Eleanor stood up, placing a reassuring hand on Lily’s shoulder, a proud smile gracing her lips. She looked directly at the assistant.
"Tell your master that Eleanor may have smashed her own throne, but that doesn't mean she will let a coward step on the pieces. He wants to sue? Let him try. I am more than ready to face him in court with the tax evasion evidence I still hold against the Vanderbilt family."
