Chapter 3 - The Ghost of the Past
The executive office on the top floor was quiet, insulated from the noise of the city below. Marcus walked behind his massive mahogany desk and motioned for Claire to sit. She remained standing, her maid’s uniform standing in stark contrast to the luxurious leather and glass around her.
"Sit down, Claire," Marcus said, his tone softening. "You look like you're about to collapse."
Claire let out a shuddering breath and sank into the soft leather chair. Her hands were still shaking. "You knew who I was."
"I knew your name was Claire Vance when I reviewed the payroll audit last week," Marcus admitted, leaning against his desk. "I saw the marriage certificate attached to your tax forms from four years ago. I spent the last three days investigating Julian’s past because something about his sudden appearance in London never added up."
Claire pulled the silver chain from around her neck and untied the gold wedding band. She laid it gently on the dark wood between them. "He left me with four million dollars in debt. He framed my father for embezzling from his firm. My father died thinking he was going to prison, Mr. Sterling."
Marcus stared at the ring, his expression unreadable. "And what is on that drive in your pocket?"
"Proof," Claire whispered. "Every wire transfer from the offshore account he set up under my father's stolen identity. The accounts were kept active through this hotel's private server. He didn't just run away—he used your family's financial network to clean the money."
Marcus’s eyes darkened. The implication was immediate: Julian hadn't just targeted Claire; he was actively using the Sterling estate as a laundering scheme.
"If I hand this over to the police, Julian will go to prison for the rest of his life," Claire said, her voice growing firmer with every word. "But your family's reputation will be dragged through the mud. Victoria’s engagement will be a national scandal."
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Marcus leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk. "My sister is spoiled, Claire, but she isn't a criminal. If Julian is using us, I want him stopped as much as you do. But he has powerful people protecting him now. If you go to the police right now, those files will disappear before they reach a judge."
A sharp knock echoed at the office door before it swung open. Julian walked in, flanked by two corporate attorneys.
