Chapter 14 - The Shadow of the Past
Three weeks later, the Syndicate was leaner, richer, and more terrifyingly efficient than it had ever been in its fifty-year history.
In the penthouse nursery, Serena sat in the rocking chair, watching Niko play with a small wooden toy. The door opened quietly, and Lucien stepped in, holding a single manila folder. He looked tired, but the hollow desperation in his eyes from the winter in the Adirondacks was gone, replaced by a deep, unwavering devotion.
"What is that?" Serena asked quietly.
"The final audit on Bianca’s offshore accounts," Lucien said, setting the folder on the dresser without opening it. "She tried to contact one of our old Swiss contacts yesterday, looking for financial backing to file a public nuisance lawsuit against our estate."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "And?"
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"And she woke up this morning in international waters aboard a Panamanian container ship," Lucien replied smoothly, pulling up a chair beside her. "She won't be bothering us again."
Serena looked at him, measuring the quiet finality in his voice. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand. "Good. We have no room for ghosts in this house."
