Chapter 9 - The Fall of an Empire
The fallout was catastrophic, yet beautiful.
Arthur Vance was denied bail. The media had a field day, dubbing it the biggest Wall Street scandal of the decade. The stock of Vance Enterprises tanked, and the board scrambled to liquidate assets to pay federal fines.
I lost nearly everything. The penthouses were sold. The hedge funds were dismantled. I walked away with a fraction of my former net worth, but for the first time in my life, I felt utterly weightless.
I used a portion of my remaining funds to set up a massive trust in Lily’s name, ensuring that the Sterling fortune was finally returned to its rightful heir.
On the day of my father’s sentencing, I didn't go to the courthouse. I didn't need to see him get twenty years in federal prison.
Instead, I was at a park in Central Park, pushing a little girl on a swing set.
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"Higher, Uncle Julian! Higher!" Lily shrieked with joy.
I pushed her, listening to her laughter ring out against the autumn air.
