Chapter 7 - Flight to ZurichThe private jet tore through the dark upper atmosphere, leaving the storm-drenched coast of the United States thousands of miles behind.
Inside the cabin, luxury took on an entirely different meaning. Plush leather recliners, polished walnut tables, and a private workstation dominated the interior. Elena sat by the window, watching the endless sea of stars above the cloud line, holding a cup of hot black coffee between her hands.
She had changed into a clean, simple cashmere sweater and wool trousers provided by Matthew’s personal staff, but she still wore his heavy signet ring on a thin silver chain around her neck—a temporary safeguard he had insisted she keep.
Matthew walked down the aisle from the cockpit, tossing a secure satellite phone onto the table before taking a seat opposite her.
— The flight plan is locked. We touch down in Zurich in six hours, Matthew said, pouring himself a glass of water. — Our security team has already secured the Swiss Federal Bank branch where your father’s deposit box is registered.
Elena looked up from her coffee.
— Why are you helping me, Matthew? Really? she asked, her voice soft but direct. — You’re a billionaire with an empire to protect. Taking down an international syndicate and flying across the globe for a runaway girl doesn't add up.
Matthew swirled the water in his glass, watching the ice cubes clink against the crystal.
— Five years ago, Arthur Vargas saved my life, Matthew said quietly, his gaze fixed on the table. — During a hostile takeover attempt in Geneva, a rival faction planted a car bomb. Arthur pushed me out of the way before it detonated. He lost friends that day. I survived.
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers with absolute clarity.
— When he died, I promised myself I would destroy everyone responsible. And when Isabel tried to sell you off tonight, she didn't just cross a moral line—she handed me the master key to their entire financial network. You are the legal heir to Arthur’s estate, Elena. Without your signature, their offshore accounts in Zurich remain frozen forever.
Elena’s breath hitched. That was why Isabel had been so desperate to keep her locked in that room. That was why her stepmother had tried to break her spirit, to force her into a marriage or a contract that would sign over her inheritance rights.
— They didn't just want me out of the way, Elena whispered, realization dawning like a cold sunrise. — They needed my signature to legally claim my father’s remaining assets.
— Exactly, Matthew nodded. — Which means the moment we land in Zurich, every assassin, corrupt politician, and syndicate member tied to Ambrose and Vance is going to come out of the woodwork to stop us.
He reached across the table, his fingers gently brushing her hand.
— Are you ready for what comes next, Elena? Because once we open that box, there is no turning back.
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Elena looked down at his hand resting near hers, then out the window at the vast, silent expanse of the night sky. The frightened, bruised girl who had fled into the rain hours ago was gone. In her place stood a woman forged in fire, ready to reclaim her birthright.
— Let them come, Elena said, her voice steady and cold as ice.
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