PART 6: Confronting the Legacy

PART 6: Confronting the Legacy

Grandfather’s shadow falls over the penthouse.

The peaceful honeymoon phase of our reunion came to a sudden halt three days later when Liam’s private security detail intercepted an uninvited visitor in the penthouse lobby downstairs.

We were gathered in the living room reviewing college housing options when Liam’s secure intercom buzzed.

“Mr. Vance,” head security chief Marcus’s voice came through the speaker. “You have a visitor in the private reception lounge. It’s Arthur Vance.”

The name dropped into the room like a lead weight.

Arthur Vance—our paternal grandfather, the patriarch of the multi-billion-dollar Vance syndicate and the very man who had banished our mother fifteen years ago.

Julian’s face hardened instantly into a mask of pure ice, while Leo slammed his controller down onto the coffee table with a sharp clatter.

Liam’s expression didn't change, but his eyes turned as dark and cold as a winter storm.

“Did you invite him, Liam?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I didn't have to,” Liam answered, standing up and smoothing down his cuffs. “He tracks our movements like a hawk. He knows we brought you into the fold, and he’s come to negotiate terms.”

“Negotiate terms?” Julian snapped, standing up alongside Liam. “There are no terms. He threw Mom out on the street with nothing. He lied to us for a decade and a half. He doesn't get to buy our sister.”

“He’s not going to buy anyone,” Liam stated firmly, looking directly at me. “Summer, you can stay right here in the media room, or you can come down with us. Whatever you choose, we handle it together.”

I stood up, shaking off the sudden wave of anxiety, feeling the strength of my three brothers anchoring my spine.

“I’m coming,” I said clearly. “He’s my grandfather too—and he needs to know that the little girl from the trailer isn't afraid of him.”

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We descended in the private elevator to the building’s ultra-exclusive ground-level lounge, where an elderly man with piercing gray eyes, immaculate silver hair, and an expensive tailored wool coat sat waiting in an armchair, supported by a polished ebony cane.

Arthur Vance looked up as the elevator doors slid open, his sharp gaze sweeping over Liam, Julian, Leo, and finally locking onto me standing safely between them.