Chapter 20 - The Unwritten Horizon
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The morning sun broke over the New York skyline, casting a radiant golden glow across the floor-to-ceiling glass of the Vance penthouse.
I stood by the window, wearing a deep burgundy coat, holding a leather travel bag in my hand.
Marcus stood beside me, holding two cups of fresh espresso.
"Where will you start?" Marcus asked gently.
"Chicago," I said, looking out at the rising sun. "Mrs. Vale left the Cross mansion after the foreclosure. She returned to her family’s old farm in rural Illinois. She has my sister with her."
"Do you think she knows who she really is?" Marcus asked.
"She grew up watching her sister work as a housekeeper in the home of a man who mistreated me," I said softly, my eyes flashing with a new, powerful determination. "It's time I give her the crown she was denied."
Dominic stepped into the private elevator hallway, holding open the door.
"The helicopter is on the helipad, Ms. Vance," Dominic reported. "Flight plan to Chicago is cleared."
I turned to Marcus, giving his hand a gentle, affectionate squeeze.
"Keep the empire steady while I'm gone, Marcus," I smiled.
"Always, Chairwoman," Marcus replied, watching me with admiration. "Go reclaim your blood."
I stepped into the private elevator, the heavy glass doors sliding shut with a smooth, silent click.
As the elevator descended eighty floors toward the private vehicle terminal, I pulled a small silver locket from my pocket—a locket my father had left me on his deathbed.
I flipped the locket open.
Inside was a picture of my father, and behind the velvet lining sat a small, folded piece of paper with a final message in his handwriting:
May you like
EVELYN, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU HAVE ALREADY CONQUERED YOUR ENEMIES. NOW, GO BUILD A KINGDOM THAT CAN NEVER BE BROKEN.
I closed the locket with a sharp click, lifted my chin, and stepped out into the waiting sunlight of a brand new reign.
