Chapter 6 - Shadows on the Perimeter
The autumn wind had died down by late afternoon, leaving behind a crisp, amber twilight that filtered through the towering oak trees surrounding the Sterling estate.
Inside the East Wing, the sound of laughter had quieted into a peaceful afternoon lull. Sophie had worn herself out building an elaborate jungle out of the new wooden animals and cardboard boxes, and she was now fast asleep on the plush sofa in the sunroom, curled up beneath a soft cashmere blanket with her tiny toy elephant clutched tightly in her hand.
Richard stood at the edge of the sunroom, looking down at his daughter with a fierce, quiet devotion.
Mrs. Gable walked in quietly, holding a silver tray with a fresh cup of coffee. She set it on the side table, her expression thoughtful.
“She’s safe, Mr. Sterling,” Mrs. Gable whispered softly, glancing toward the sleeping child. “The guards confirmed the perimeter is completely locked down. The paparazzi and… Mrs. Sterling’s vehicle left twenty minutes ago.”
Richard took the coffee mug, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared out the window toward the iron gates half a mile down the drive. “She thought she could rattle us. She thought a theatrical display at the gates would break the illusion that she’s permanently locked out.”
“People who are used to controlling everything don't handle irrelevance well,” Mrs. Gable noted astutely.
“Let her rage,” Richard said coldly. “Her access to this family ended the day she turned this house into a prison for my daughter. If she tests those gates again, the trespassing charges won't be a warning; they’ll be an arrest warrant.”
Just then, Richard’s secure satellite phone buzzed against his belt. He pulled it out, noting the private, encrypted caller ID. It wasn't the estate security team.
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It was Marcus Vance’s former chief legal counsel—a man who had flipped on the federal charges and was now quietly cooperating with federal prosecutors to hand over the remainder of the syndicate's hidden offshore accounts.
Richard pressed accept and stepped out onto the private balcony, closing the glass door gently behind him so he wouldn't disturb Sophie.
