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Chapter 34
"Mrs. Winchester, you have a visitor."Vera looked up from her desk at the law firm three days after the funeral. She'd returned to work needing normalcy, needing something familiar to ground her."Who is it?" she asked her assistant."She says her name is Daliah Winchester."Vera's blood ran cold. "Tell her I'm busy.""She says she'll wait. She's been sitting in the lobby for two hours."Vera considered calling security, calling Chris, calling anyone. But curiosity won out. "Fine. Send her in. But stay close in case I need you."Daliah entered wearing designer clothes and too much makeup trying to hide the stress in her face. She'd aged years in just weeks."Thank you for seeing me," Daliah said, sitting without being invited."You have five minutes," Vera said coldly. "Then I'm calling security.""I came to apologize," Daliah said."For which crime? Poisoning your husband? Trying to steal the company? Contributing to Chris's mother's death? You'll need to be more specific.""For all
Chapter 33
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of David Winchester."The cathedral was packed with hundreds of people—business leaders, politicians, employees, friends, and family. Chris stood at the front beside Vera, both dressed in black, both exhausted from three days of funeral preparations.The service was beautiful but felt surreal to Chris. Speaker after speaker talked about David Winchester's business acumen, his philanthropy, his vision. But Chris just wanted his father back.When it was Chris's turn to speak, he walked to the podium on unsteady legs. He looked out at the sea of faces, then down at the notes he'd prepared. He crumpled them up."My father and I were estranged for five years," Chris began, his voice echoing through the cathedral. "I was angry at him for things I thought he'd done. For abandoning my mother. For choosing money over family. For not being the father I needed him to be."The crowd was silent, listening intently."But in the last few months, I le
Chapter 32
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Patricia Chen."The courtroom stood as the judge entered. Chris sat at the plaintiff's table with his legal team, confident in the evidence they'd compiled. Across the aisle, Daliah sat with her lawyers, looking immaculate and calm.The hearing to determine the validity of David Winchester's share transfer had attracted significant media attention. Journalists packed the gallery, cameras waiting outside since recording wasn't allowed in the courtroom."Please be seated," Judge Chen said. "We're here to review the emergency injunction filed by Daliah Winchester contesting the transfer of shares from David Winchester to his son, Christopher Winchester. Ms. Winchester, your attorneys may present their arguments."Daliah's lead attorney stood, a silver haired man in an expensive suit. "Your Honor, we contend that David Winchester was not mentally competent when he transferred majority control of Quantum Corp to his estranged son. Mr. Winchester is termina
Chapter 31
"He looks so small."Vera stood at the door of Richard Sterling's hospital room, staring at her father hooked up to machines, his face gray and drawn. Chris stood behind her, giving her support but letting her make the decision to enter."Do you want me to come with you?" Chris asked quietly."No," Vera said. "I need to do this alone. But wait for me?""Always," Chris promised.Vera walked into the room. Richard's eyes opened when he heard footsteps. "Vera? Is that you?""It's me, Dad," Vera said, pulling a chair close to the bed. "Mom said you wanted to see me.""I did. I do." Richard's voice was weak, each word an effort. "I need to say things. While I still can.""Dad, don't talk like that. You're going to be fine.""We both know that's not true," Richard said. "The doctors were very clear. My heart is damaged. Severely. Even if I survive the night, I won't survive the month."Vera felt tears prick her eyes despite her anger at him. "Why, Dad? Why did you do it? Why did you frame C
Chapter 30
"Your father wants to see you."William's voice on the phone was gentle but urgent. Chris had just brought Vera home from the hospital to their apartment, wanting the familiarity of their small space rather than the luxury of the penthouse."Now?" Chris asked, glancing at Vera who was curled up on the couch with tea."He says it's important. He's asking for both of you."Chris looked at Vera. She nodded immediately. "Let's go."Twenty minutes later, they walked into David Winchester's penthouse. Chris was shocked by how much his father had declined in just a few days. David sat in his chair by the window, an oxygen mask nearby, his skin almost translucent."Dad," Chris said, hurrying to his side. "Should you be out of bed?""I wanted to see the city one more time," David said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I wanted to see you both. Together."Vera sat on the ottoman near David's chair, taking his frail hand in hers. "We're here.""I heard about Hunter Kane," David said. "Abou
Chapter 29
"Get me back to the estate. Now!" Chris was already running to the helicopter before he finished speaking. William and two FBI agents followed. "Mr. Winchester, wait," the FBI commander called. "We need to coordinate—" "My wife is in danger!" Chris shouted back. "Coordinate from the air!" The helicopter lifted off with a roar. Chris tried calling the estate security team. No answer. He tried Vera's phone. No answer. He tried the security chief. No answer. "How long?" Chris demanded of the pilot. "Twenty five minutes at top speed, sir." "Make it fifteen." "Sir, I can't—" "Make it fifteen or I'll fly this thing myself," Chris growled. The pilot nodded and pushed the helicopter faster. William was on the phone coordinating with law enforcement. "State police are en route to the estate. ETA ten minutes. Local sheriff is five minutes out." "Not fast enough," Chris said, staring at his phone, willing it to ring with news that Vera was safe. The FBI agent in the helicopter spoke
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