Chapter 14 - The Final AuditThe federal investigation wrapped up within two weeks, sweeping through the remains of Vance-Sterling Holdings like a surgical wildfire. Julian’s body was recovered from the concrete courtyard below the 41st floor—a final, definitive end to a decades-long web of institutional corruption.
Agent Vance sat across from me in my home study, the heavy oak doors closed against the damp Chicago chill.
“He’s gone, Adrian. The entire network has been dismantled from the top down. No more shell companies, no more offshore escrow accounts hiding behind your corporate registry,” she said, sliding a thick manila envelope across the mahogany desk. “And your estate’s title has been fully restored, free and clear of federal liens.”
I didn't touch the envelope immediately. My eyes were fixed on the French doors leading out to the rear garden, where Bruno was trotting slowly across the damp lawn, his massive black coat glistening in the afternoon sun.
“What about Vivienne?” I asked.
“Twenty years in a federal penitentiary in West Virginia,” Agent Vance replied, standing up and smoothing down her jacket. “No plea deals. Marcus and Elena are cooperating, but their testimony won't save them from maximum sentences.”
She walked toward the door, paused with her hand on the brass knob, and looked back at me.
“You know, for a civilian, you have an irritating habit of surviving things you have no business walking away from.”
“It helps to have loyal company,” I replied softly.
May you like
She offered a faint, tired smile, opened the door, and walked out of the house, leaving me alone with the silence.
Not Bruno’s silence. The quiet of a chapter finally closed, leaving the stone and polished wood of my home truly mine once again.
