Chapter 32
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The journey from the Maine coast back toward the city was executed in complete silence. The revelation that Julian Vance—the ruthless, cold-blooded enforcer who had been hunting them relentlessly—was the third child had fundamentally shifted the tactical reality of their war.
Leo drove his own reinforced truck, leading Samuel and the others toward the coordinates Grace had provided.
They arrived at an abandoned rail yard on the industrial outskirts of the city just as night fell. The rusted husks of old train cars provided perfect cover from any aerial surveillance Malcolm might be running.
Leo parked his truck near a massive, derelict warehouse and stepped out into the freezing drizzle.
"This is the rally point," Leo announced, slinging a duffel bag of tactical gear over his shoulder.
Vivienne clutched the ledger tightly as they walked through a side door of the warehouse. The interior was vast, illuminated only by a few flickering halogen work lights. In the center of the room stood a makeshift command center, complete with multiple encrypted server racks and high-frequency radios.
Standing over a digital map projection was Grace Ellis.
She looked much older than the photograph Vivienne had found, her hair entirely silver, but her eyes held a fierce, unyielding fire. Beside her, leaning heavily on a polished wooden cane, was Theodore.
"You made it," Theodore smiled, though he looked deeply exhausted. "I told you they would piece the puzzle together, Grace."
Grace walked directly past Richard and Samuel, stopping right in front of Vivienne. Tears immediately welled in the older woman's eyes.
"You look exactly like Emily," Grace whispered, reaching out to gently touch Vivienne’s cheek. "She would be so incredibly proud of the woman you’ve become."
"She died trying to save me," Vivienne said, her voice cracking slightly.
"She died trying to save all of us," Grace corrected firmly, pulling Vivienne into a fierce, desperate embrace. "Emily was the bravest woman I ever knew. When she discovered what Malcolm intended to do with the three of you in that basement, she didn't hesitate. She orchestrated the fire to cover our escape."
Leo walked over, placing his hand on Grace’s shoulder. "We know about Julian, Grace. We know he's the third child."
Grace nodded, pulling away from Vivienne and wiping her eyes. "Then you know what has to happen tonight. Malcolm is hosting an emergency board meeting at the Ashford Tower at midnight. He plans to completely liquidate the company's assets and disappear into the shadows."
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"He’s running," Richard realized.
"He's regrouping," Theodore corrected darkly. "If he leaves tonight, we will never find him again. We have to breach the tower."
