Chapter 7 - The Mastermind
Three years passed.
Life outside the prison walls moved on at a breathtaking speed. The scandal of Vance Tech had long been forgotten by the public, replaced by new tech booms and fresh corporate drama.
At the headquarters of Sterling Enterprises, high above the city skyline in a glass-walled penthouse office, Arthur Sterling sat behind a massive mahogany desk.
Standing in front of him was Victoria, holding a tablet displaying the annual financial reports.
“The acquisition of the Montgomery logistics routes is complete, Chairman,” Victoria reported professionally. “All former assets have been restructured and integrated into our green energy shipping network. Profit margins are up 14%.”
“Good,” Arthur said, without looking up from his paper.
“And... regarding Julian Vance,” Victoria added quietly. “His early release request was denied today. His behavior in prison remains unstable.”
Arthur paused, setting his fountain pen down. He looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the sprawling city below.
“A man who builds his house on sand should never be surprised when the tide washes it away,” Arthur said softly.
Suddenly, the private elevator behind Arthur’s desk chimed. The doors slid open with a soft hiss.
A young man in his late twenties stepped out into the office. He wore a crisp, dark blue tailored suit, carrying a leather briefcase. His eyes were sharp, intelligent, and possessed a quiet confidence that mirrored Arthur’s own.
“Grandfather,” the young man said with a warm smile.
Arthur’s stern face immediately softened. A genuine, warm smile broke across his weathered features as he stood up from his chair.
“Leo,” Arthur welcomed him, walking around the desk to shake the young man's hand firmly. “How was the overseas operation in Tokyo?”
“Successful, Grandfather,” Leo replied. “The negotiations are complete. Sterling Japan is officially operational.”
This was Leo Sterling—Arthur’s grandson, sole heir, and the true future of the Sterling Empire. Unlike Julian, who had spent his life chasing vanity and status, Leo had been raised in secret, educated in public schools, and trained from the ground up to understand the true value of labor, humility, and hard work.
“You did well,” Arthur said, patting Leo’s shoulder proudly. “Sit down. There is something I need to tell you.”
Leo sat across from his grandfather. “Is this about the incident three years ago at the Royal Diamond Hotel?”
Arthur nodded slowly. “You always wondered why I chose to personally groom the plants at that specific venue on that specific day.”
Leo leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “I assumed you were just enjoying your orchids.”
May you like
Arthur smiled—a strange, deep, enigmatic smile that sent a subtle chill through the room.
“Nothing in my life is an accident, Leo,” Arthur said softly.
