Chapter 18 - The Empire
The city belonged to them.
Over the next two years, Clara and Elias built an empire that bridged the gap between legality and power. Sterling Enterprises doubled its net worth, absorbing competitors and dominating the global market. The Thorne Syndicate faded into a myth, operating entirely through legitimate corporate fronts, becoming a ghost network that protected Clara’s interests.
They lived in a sprawling estate on the cliffs outside the city, far removed from the memories of the Sterling manor.
Clara stood on the balcony of their bedroom, looking out at the ocean crashing against the rocks below. She absentmindedly twisted a ring on her finger.
It was not the cheap silver band—that had been locked away in the Geneva vault, resting safely next to Julian’s letters. It was a new ring. A flawless, black diamond set in platinum, given to her by Elias on a quiet night in Paris.
May you like
Footsteps approached from behind, and strong arms wrapped around her waist. Elias kissed the side of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.
"The merger went through," Elias murmured. "We officially own the entire eastern seaboard's shipping routes."
