Chapter 5 - The Vault of Secrets
Under the cover of darkness, a sleek black SUV transported Victoria, Julian, and Caldwell to the most secure underground facility in Manhattan: The First National Depository.
Victoria sat in the corner of the vehicle, staring out the window, her mind racing. If he opens that box, I am ruined. She discreetly pulled out her phone and texted her head of security: Prepare a private jet. Have the offshore accounts ready to transfer on my signal.
They descended three levels underground. The vault door was massive, a circular fortress of titanium and steel. The bank manager, looking terrified at the late-night intrusion, escorted them to Box 808.
"Two keys are required," the manager stammered. "Mr. Caldwell has the master. The second is..."
Julian stepped forward and inserted the jagged bronze key from the pocket watch. It turned with a heavy, satisfying clunk.
Caldwell pulled out the long metal lockbox and placed it on the steel table in the center of the room. Inside lay a single, thick manila envelope sealed with red wax. Caldwell broke the seal and pulled out a stack of documents.
"This," Caldwell began, his eyes scanning the first page, "is the official, legally binding Last Will and Testament of Harrison Vance. Executed secretly ten years ago, updated annually."
"Read it," Julian commanded. It was strange hearing an eleven-year-old speak with the gravitas of an eighty-year-old CEO, but no one questioned him.
"To my daughter, Victoria," Caldwell read aloud. Victoria braced herself. "I leave the sum of one dollar. I have spent the last ten years gathering irrefutable proof of her embezzlement, her illegal wiretaps, and her attempt on my grandson’s life. Those files are attached herewith."
May you like
Victoria let out a strangled gasp.
"The entirety of Vance Holdings," Caldwell continued, "is hereby transferred to a blind trust, to be fully controlled by Julian Vance upon his return."
