Chapter 5 - Reclaiming the Crown
By Wednesday, the legal transfer of the Ainsley Trust was complete.
Maya stepped into the vault at the Manhattan Federal Reserve. With Julian by her side, she pressed the silver orchid ring into the biometric scanner. A soft beep echoed, followed by the heavy hum of hydraulic doors opening.
Inside were her mother’s original journals, certificates of ownership, and controlling shares in sixteen major corporations—including the real estate conglomerate that owned Richard’s apartment, his office building, and the very country club his mother desperately tried to belong to.
With a single signature, Maya became Maya Ainsley once more.
Meanwhile, in suburban Long Island, Richard was strutting around his house like a king.
"She hasn't called in three days," Richard bragged to his mother, Olivia, as they poured champagne in the kitchen. "She’s probably living in a homeless shelter. Once she comes crawling back, I’ll force her to sign a sole-custody agreement giving me Lily."
"Good riddance," Olivia scoffed, adjusting her faux-pearl necklace. "Vanessa is much more suited for our social circle. Speaking of which, Richard, did Sterling Equity approve the meeting?"
"Better!" Richard beamed, waving his phone. "They invited us to the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel on Friday night! Mr. Julian Sterling himself will be presiding over the contract signing. This promotion is mine!"
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Vanessa hugged Richard tightly, snapping a selfie. "I’m posting this! '#PowerCouple #PlazaBound'."
They had no idea that every movement, every post, and every boast was being monitored by Julian’s team—and compiled into a master file for Friday night.
