Chapter 55
Julian's POV
Ethan knew me well enough to recognize the tone. He proceeded carefully. "Ms. Grey hasn't left Silverton yet, but given the financial collapse at Blackwood branch, resignation seems likely. Additionally, her cousin Lucas was recently terminated—orders came down from within Vaughn Industries. And there's more." He paused. "Kyle secretly funded Ms. Grey's mother's medical expenses. Victoria is now using that debt to force a reconciliation."
Something cracked inside my chest. While I'd been sitting in Cold Creek congratulating myself on infrastructure projects, Nora had been fighting off financial blackmail, job loss, and the systematic destruction of everything she'd worked for. And she'd done it alone because she thought I was just another predator in a suit.
"During their relationship, Kyle voluntarily spent money on her," Ethan added quietly, and I heard the rare edge of anger in his usually controlled voice. "His mother weaponized it. Even though she's already paid it back, the Vaughns are just too despicable."
I stared out the window at the sky, my mind working through the implications. The Vaughn family wasn't just vindictive—they were methodical. They'd identified every pressure point in Nora's life and systematically targeted them.
They'd chosen the wrong woman. But they'd also chosen the wrong enemy.
"Sir?" Ethan prompted carefully.
I turned back to him, my decision crystallizing. If Nora thought I was a corrupt politician who played dirty games, fine. I'd show her exactly how dirty I could play—just not the way she expected.
"Three things." My voice was steel. "First, I want a full federal investigation into Jeremy Wright. Financial records, communications, every meeting with Lycan lobbyists in the past five years. If he's taken so much as a free lunch from the wrong person, I want documentation. His career ends Monday."
Ethan's fingers flew across his tablet. "Understood."
"Second, initiate a comprehensive federal compliance audit of Vaughn Industries. Every subsidiary, every contract, every regulatory filing for the past decade. Mining rights, environmental violations, labor practices—everything. If they've cut corners, I want prosecutable evidence."
"Yes, sir."
"Third." I paused, making sure Ethan understood this was personal. "Contact Dr. Parker in Aetheria. Tell him I'm calling in my favor. I need him to review a neurological rehabilitation case—Nora's mother. Send him every piece of medical documentation we can access. And Ethan?"
"Sir?"
"Make sure Nora's family is taken care of. Route it through intermediaries. No connection to this office. Just make it happen."
Ethan nodded slowly. "Quietly handled. Understood."
"And cancel the rest of the inspection schedule. I need to handle some things."
Ethan said nothing. "I'll rearrange the itinerary."
---
Nora's POV
Two days later, Marianne and I were curled up on the couch, half-watching some home renovation show, when Gareth came through the front door. Lucas was sprawled in the armchair beside us, his attention glued to his phone, thumbs flying over some game.
Gareth dropped his keys on the side table, his face unusually animated. "I've got good news."
Marianne straightened on the couch beside me, her attention snapping to her husband. Lucas glanced up from his phone, thumbs pausing mid-game.
"They promoted me," Gareth announced, unable to contain his grin. "Regional Logistics Supervisor. Thirty percent raise, and I'm being transferred to Silverton headquarters."
Marianne's hand flew to her mouth, then she slapped my shoulder hard enough to make me wince. "Oh my God! Gareth, that's wonderful!"
Lucas, predictably, found the catch immediately. "Wait. Headquarters? That's what, nearly two hours from here if you're lucky? You're gonna commute four hours a day?"
"Actually—" Gareth held up a hand, still grinning. "That's the other part. The company provides housing for management-level employees. There's an apartment building in Riverview Community—the units are big enough for four or five people, fully furnished, utilities included. As long as I'm with the company, we can live there."
He looked at each of us in turn.
Marianne's eyes were already glistening. Lucas sat up straighter, his analytical mind clearly working through logistics.
"Think about it," Gareth continued. "Marianne, you don't work, so location doesn't matter. I'd be fifteen minutes from the office instead of four hours on the road. And you two—" he gestured between Lucas and me, "—you'd be right in the city. Way easier to find work."
Lucas was nodding slowly, his usual playfulness absent. "Actually, that makes sense. Mom's situation doesn't change, Dad's commute problem is solved. Nora and I have way better job prospects in Silverton than out here in the middle of nowhere."
Marianne was already gripping Gareth's arm excitedly. "That's wonderful. The family will stay together. That's what matters most."
I sat frozen, my mind struggling to process this sudden shift. I realized good things seemed to be coming one after another lately, which felt almost unbelievable.
My phone vibrated, pulling me back to reality. Henry's name lit up the screen.
"Nora, the specialist reviewed your mother's case. They think there's a treatment protocol worth trying. Combination of medication adjustment and intensive cognitive therapy. But..."
My heart lurched. "But?"
"No guarantees," Henry said carefully. "Your mother's condition is complex. But they believe there's potential for improvement. They need to examine her in person to finalize the treatment plan. Can you get her to St. Mary's Medical Center in Silverton?"
"When?"
"As soon as possible. Tomorrow, ideally."
Marianne was watching me. "What happened?"
I told her about Henry's call, about St. Mary's.
"We'll go together," Marianne said firmly. "All of us. Get your mother settled at the hospital first. Then Gareth and I can come back here to pack up the big furniture."
"You don't have to—"
"We're family," she cut me off. "Your mother comes first. Everything else can wait."
I wanted to argue, to insist they stay and organize, but the relief of not facing this alone overwhelmed my pride. "Thank you."
Marianne pulled me into a tight hug. "We leave tomorrow morning."