Chapter 9 - Whispers of the Past
Despite Evan's conviction, the shadows of the past still had a few lingering threads to unravel.
A month after the trial ended, Damian received a discreet intelligence report from Mason regarding a small, forgotten offshore account in the Bahamas registered under the name of Evan's former attorney, Marcus Vance—Dr. Vance's estranged brother.
It appeared Marcus had been attempting to sell confidential internal files belonging to the Whitaker estate to rival financial firms in New York.
Instead of deploying enforcement teams, Damian brought the information straight to Claire at her apartment.
They sat at her kitchen island, reviewing the digital bank trails over coffee.
"He thinks he can use my father's old private correspondence as leverage," Claire observed, her tone calm and completely devoid of fear.
"I can have Marcus blacklisted from every legal bar association in the country by morning," Damian offered smoothly. "Or I can have Mason visit him personally."
Claire looked at Damian, a soft, affectionate smile touching her lips. "No visit needed, Damian. Marcus is using empty threats. The original documents were secured in my father's safe-deposit box three weeks ago."
Damian looked at her, impressed by her complete mastery over her own affairs. "You already handled it?"
"I handled it yesterday," Claire revealed proudly. "I bought out Marcus's law firm's lease, fired his firm as corporate counsel, and hired his top associate to head our legal division."
Damian burst out into a rich, genuine laugh—a sound that filled the sunlit apartment with warmth.
"You are far more ruthless than I am, Claire," Damian chuckled, shaking his head with immense pride.
"I learned from the best," Claire teased gently, stepping around the counter and wrapping her arms around his waist.
May you like
Damian held her close, burying his face in her soft hair, feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of her heart against his chest.
"You didn't learn it from me," Damian murmured softly. "You always had it in you. You just needed room to breathe."
