Chapter 8 - The Healing at Bel-Air
The Sterling ancestral estate in Bel-Air was a world away from the toxic atmosphere of the Vance home. Built on twenty acres of pristine rolling hills overlooking Los Angeles, it was a fortress of security, marble columns, and lush green gardens.
For the first two weeks following that fateful birthday night, I stayed in the master suite of the east wing.
My brothers spared no expense. Top dermatologists and trauma specialists visited daily, applying advanced medical ointments to ensure the welts on my back healed without leaving a single scar.
Every evening, my brothers would gather in my suite for dinner.
Leo brought me imported delicacies from around the world. Marcus managed the rapid liquidation of Vance Construction, funneling millions into high-yield accounts established in my name. Julian kept me updated on the legal battle, ensuring that Isaac’s defense attorneys were crushed at every preliminary hearing. And Caleb kept his surveillance network active, monitoring every move of the remaining Vance relatives.
One evening, as I sat on the wide balcony watching the sunset over the Pacific, Caleb walked out holding two cups of steaming tea.
"You look stronger today, Flora," he said, handing me a porcelain cup.
"I feel stronger," I admitted, taking a sip. "For so long, Caleb, I thought if I just kept my head down and stayed quiet, Isaac would eventually appreciate me. I thought modesty was a virtue."
Caleb chuckled softly, leaning his elbows on the stone balustrade. "Modesty is a virtue for those who have nothing to show, Flora. You are a Sterling. You were born to rule, not to hide."
He pulled a sleek silver invitation from his coat pocket and placed it on the small table beside me.
"What's this?" I asked.
"The Global Logistics & Infrastructure Summit in San Francisco next month," Caleb replied. "Every major construction firm, tech investor, and shipping tycoon in North America will be there. Vance Construction used to be the keynote presenter."
I picked up the heavy cardstock invitation. "And now?"
"Now, Sterling Global holds the keynote slot," Caleb smiled. "Marcus and Leo want you to take the stage as the newly appointed CEO of Sterling Infrastructure."
May you like
I looked at the invitation, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. The quiet, timid Flora who had endured Isaac’s insults was dead. In her place stood a woman ready to take what was rightfully hers.
"I'll do it," I said firmly.
