Chapter 16: The Uninvited Guest
Autumn brought a crisp chill to the air and an unexpected shadow to the Vanguard threshold.
Julian was in his home office, reviewing quarterly earnings for the tech division, when his private line rang. Only a handful of people had the number. He answered it without looking at the caller ID.
"Julian."
The voice was older, gravelly, and laced with an arrogant familiarity that made Julian’s blood run instantly cold. It was Richard Vanguard. His father.
Richard had been living in self-imposed exile in Monaco for the last decade, far more interested in European casinos and mistresses than in his son or the company. He had not called when Julian took over the empire, nor when he married Clara, nor when Maya was born.
"Richard," Julian replied, his voice flat. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"
"Is that any way to speak to your father?" Richard chuckled, though there was no warmth in the sound. "I hear you purged Arthur and Eleanor. Ruthless. I taught you well. I’m back in the States, Julian. The press around you and your new wife is staggering. It’s good for the brand. I think it’s time I came up to the estate. Meet my granddaughter. Take my rightful seat on the advisory board."
Julian gripped the edge of his mahogany desk, his knuckles turning white. His father didn't care about Maya. He cared about the skyrocketing valuation of the Vanguard stock and the positive PR Clara had generated. He wanted to bask in the warmth of a fire he hadn't built.
"You don't have a granddaughter," Julian said softly.
May you like
"Don't be dramatic, Julian. Blood is blood. I’ll be at the estate tomorrow at noon. Have the chef prepare a light lunch."
The line clicked dead. Julian slowly lowered the receiver, a dark storm brewing in his chest. The ghosts of his past were not entirely vanquished after all.
