Chapter 438: Back to Star Harbor!!
Sterling Estate.
Late night.
The mansion had finally begun to quiet down.
Most of the relatives who had come to meet Timothy had either returned home or settled into guest rooms.
Lights remained on in only a few sections of the enormous residence.
Miles entered through one of the quieter side corridors.
No hoodie.
No weapon visible.
No trace of Ghost.
His clothes were clean.
His expression was calm.
By the time he reached the front of the room, Miles Sterling had completely returned.
He stopped outside the bedroom.
Then knocked.
A few seconds later...
The door opened.
Chloe stood there.
Arms folded.
Cheeks puffed.
And judging by the look on her face...
She had definitely not been sleeping.
Miles stared at her.
Then smiled cautiously.
"Looks like you weren’t asleep."
Chloe didn’t move.
"Where were you?"
Miles entered slowly.
"Just taking care of a few things before we leave."
Chloe closed the door behind him.
"At this hour?"
Miles nodded.
"Who knows when I’ll come back to Citadel."
"I wanted to finish everything while I’m here."
Chloe continued staring at him.
"You should have called me before leaving."
Miles’ expression softened.
"You’re right."
He stepped closer.
"I’m sorry."
Chloe’s crossed arms slowly loosened.
Miles continued,
"You were meeting everyone."
"Talking with Aunt Birdie."
"You looked happy."
"So..."
"I thought I shouldn’t disturb you."
Chloe sighed.
Her irritation disappeared almost immediately.
Then she looked at his face properly.
"You must be exhausted."
Miles didn’t answer.
"You didn’t rest after the ceremony."
"We came here."
"You met everyone."
"And then you disappeared again."
Miles smiled faintly.
"I’m okay."
Chloe clearly didn’t believe him.
Miles opened his arms.
She stared for half a second.
Then stepped forward.
He wrapped both arms around her.
Chloe rested her head against his chest.
For several moments...
Neither said anything.
Then Chloe quietly asked,
"You alright?"
Miles’ arms tightened around her.
"I took care of it."
Chloe lifted her head.
"What?"
Miles looked down at her.
"The person who took my friend away."
Chloe’s expression changed.
She didn’t ask what happened.
Didn’t ask how.
Didn’t ask who.
She only studied him.
Then gently placed both hands against his cheeks.
Miles closed his eyes briefly at her touch.
"You look tired."
His eyes opened.
"I feel better."
Chloe knew that wasn’t exactly the same thing.
Still...
She didn’t push.
Instead, she wrapped her arms around him again.
Tighter this time.
Miles rested his chin lightly against her hair.
Chloe whispered,
"Let’s go home."
Miles smiled.
"Yes."
"Tomorrow."
"Home."
...
Rosewood.
Vice President Vivienne Horrow’s private residence.
The room was dim.
A single lamp illuminated one side of the sitting area.
Vivienne sat on the couch with a drink in her hand.
She hadn’t changed since returning from the ceremony.
Her jacket was gone.
Her hair slightly loosened.
But there was nothing relaxed about her posture.
A knock came from the door.
"Enter."
The door opened.
A woman wearing a dark hood stepped inside.
She closed it quietly behind her.
Vivienne didn’t look toward her immediately.
"What are the updates, Ella?"
Ella removed the hood.
"Vane is dead."
Vivienne finally looked up.
"Confirmed?"
"Yes."
Ella walked closer.
"His body was found inside the apartment."
"The place is a disaster."
Vivienne’s fingers tightened slightly around her glass.
Ella continued,
"Broken furniture."
"Bullet damage."
"Blood."
"Citadel Police responded first."
"They’ve already collected samples."
Vivienne looked toward her.
"Samples?"
"More than one person bled inside that apartment."
Vivienne became silent.
Then took another sip.
"They won’t find Nadia."
Ella waited.
Vivienne continued,
"Even if they identify her blood."
"She knows how to disappear."
Ella nodded.
"For now..."
"The safest move is to let her run."
Vivienne raised an eyebrow.
Ella continued,
"She knows the police will investigate."
"She’ll become more careful."
"More paranoid."
"That makes her harder for us to find too."
Vivienne’s expression darkened.
"But we’ll find her."
"Eventually."
Ella nodded.
Then added,
"There’s something strange about the scene."
Vivienne looked toward her.
"You said the apartment was messy."
"Very."
"Gunshots?"
"Several."
Vivienne frowned.
"Then how did no one see anything?"
Ella had wondered the same thing.
"Apparently..."
"Most of the residents in that section of the building were out."
Vivienne stared.
Ella continued,
"Movie theaters."
"Restaurants."
"Shopping."
"Different places."
"Coincidence?"
Ella shook her head.
"No."
Vivienne placed her glass down.
"Explain."
"Several households received promotional gift cards today."
"Free dinner."
"Movie tickets."
"Some shopping vouchers."
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed.
Ella continued,
"The strange part..."
"They all expired tonight."
Silence.
"So someone emptied the neighborhood."
"Looks like it."
Vivienne’s expression became colder.
Ella added,
"A few people remained."
"They heard gunshots."
"And?"
"They tried calling the police."
Vivienne waited.
Ella shook her head.
"Their calls never connected."
Vivienne stared.
"None?"
"None."
"Network issue?"
"That’s what they believed."
Ella paused.
"But local emergency lines worked perfectly everywhere else."
Vivienne leaned back.
Someone had isolated that building.
Removed witnesses.
Disrupted emergency calls.
Then disappeared without being seen.
Ella continued,
"No one saw Nadia leave."
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed.
"So she prepared."
"Looks like it."
Vivienne looked away.
"She knew Marcus was dangerous."
Ella nodded.
"And she probably expected resistance."
Vivienne thought silently for several seconds.
Then Ella spoke again.
"There’s one more thing."
"What?"
"You asked me to monitor Marcus Vane’s financial accounts."
Vivienne immediately looked toward her.
"What happened?"
"They’ve been drained."
Vivienne froze.
"When?"
"After his death."
"No."
Her reply came immediately.
Ella waited.
Vivienne shook her head.
"Nadia wouldn’t do that."
"I don’t think so either."
Vivienne stood.
"Where did the money go?"
"Several offshore accounts."
"Multiple jurisdictions."
"International transfers."
Vivienne walked toward the window.
"Trace them."
"We can’t."
She turned.
Ella continued,
"Not without official channels."
"At least not quickly."
Vivienne’s expression darkened further.
"Marcus had no family."
"Exactly."
"And Nadia already has more money than she needs."
Vivienne looked toward the floor.
Something was wrong.
Ella continued,
"The military police will probably take over the investigation."
Vivienne nodded slowly.
"They’ll examine the transactions."
"His service history."
"His accounts."
"Everything."
Ella remained calm.
"Our records are clean."
Vivienne looked toward her.
"We already closed the old accounts."
"Changed the routing structures."
"Nothing directly points toward you."
Vivienne slowly nodded.
"Good."
Ella hesitated.
Then asked,
"When are you appointing the next Lieutenant Colonel?"
Vivienne’s attention shifted immediately.
"Not yet."
"He’s ready."
Ella waited.
"But rushing a replacement immediately after Vane’s death would look suspicious."
"So?"
"Give it a few days."
Vivienne returned to the couch.
"We’ll let the investigation breathe."
"Then move."
Ella nodded.
"Understood."
Vivienne picked up her drink again.
But before taking another sip...
"Ella."
"Yes, Boss?"
Vivienne looked toward her.
"Are you happy?"
Ella seemed surprised.
"What?"
Vivienne’s expression softened slightly.
"Do you think I’ve done something wrong?"
The question hung strangely in the room.
Ella looked at her for several seconds.
Then smiled faintly.
"You have ambitions."
Vivienne remained silent.
Ella continued,
"And I support you."
Her voice became more personal.
"Thanks to you..."
"My brother has a better life."
"A safer one."
"Better pay than I ever received in the Army."
"More opportunities."
She shrugged.
"So no."
"I don’t regret standing with you."
Vivienne’s expression eased.
"Thank you."
Ella nodded.
"You should sleep."
Vivienne almost laughed.
"Sleep?"
"At least try."
Ella pulled the hood back over her head.
"I’ll keep monitoring the military police."
"And I’ll find out where Vane’s money went."
Vivienne nodded.
Ella stopped near the door.
"One more thing."
Vivienne looked toward her.
"Nadia."
"What about her?"
"Do we keep her alive if we find her?"
Vivienne’s eyes became cold again.
"No."
Ella waited.
Vivienne continued,
"A threat remains a threat."
"Once she decided to blackmail me..."
"She stopped being useful."
Ella nodded.
"We eliminate her."
"As soon as we locate her."
"Until then?"
Vivienne picked up her glass.
"We play along."
Ella gave a small nod.
"Understood."
She left.
The door closed.
Vivienne remained alone.
Her eyes moved toward the dark window.
For the first time in years...
Too many unexpected pieces were appearing at once.
Adam.
Vane.
Nadia.
Miles Sterling.
She took another drink.
Then whispered,
"What exactly did you start, Marcus?"
...
Next morning.
Sterling Estate.
The sky was only beginning to brighten.
Several vehicles stood outside the mansion.
Luggage was being loaded.
Security personnel checked routes.
Drivers communicated quietly through radios.
The Sterling family was preparing to return to Star Harbor.
Miles stood beside Timothy.
"Are you sure you’re not coming?"
Timothy smiled.
"Yes."
"I’ll stay for a few days."
Miles looked toward the mansion.
Timothy continued,
"There’s plenty here I need to see."
Miles nodded.
Timothy added,
"Don’t worry."
"I’ll be there for the final day of Launchpad."
Chloe smiled.
"We’ll reserve you a seat."
Silvey appeared beside Timothy.
"I’ll bring Grandpa Tim back in one piece."
Gordon immediately laughed.
Birdie looked horrified.
"Silvey."
"What?"
"Don’t say it like that."
She glanced toward Timothy.
"That’s disrespectful."
Timothy waved one hand.
"It’s fine."
Gordon looked toward his brother.
"Are you trying to spoil her already?"
Timothy smiled proudly.
"Grandchildren have every right to say whatever they want."
Silvey’s expression brightened.
Timothy looked toward her.
"Silvey."
"Yes?"
"Ask anything from your Grandpa Tim."
He smiled.
"I’ll fulfill it."
Silvey stared.
"Really?"
"Really."
She immediately smiled.
"Thanks, Grandpa Tim."
Gordon sighed.
"Definitely spoiling her."
Timothy ignored him.
Nearby...
Hope and Asher looked barely conscious.
Hope leaned against Elena.
Asher rubbed both eyes.
Daniel laughed.
"Looks like someone didn’t sleep enough."
Asher muttered,
"I slept."
Hope yawned.
"No, you didn’t."
After several final hugs and goodbyes...
Elena hugged Birdie.
Daniel shook hands with David and Gordon.
Miles spoke briefly with Silvey.
Chloe promised Birdie they would visit again.
Then the family entered the vehicles.
Timothy remained near the entrance.
He raised one hand.
Miles lowered the car window.
"See you soon, Grandpa."
Timothy smiled.
"Go home."
The convoy moved.
The old Sterling Estate slowly disappeared behind them.
...
Citadel Air Force Base.
The private jet was already prepared.
The convoy passed through the final security checkpoint.
Then Chloe leaned forward.
"What’s that?"
Miles looked outside.
A sports car was parked near his jet.
A black SUV stood behind it.
His expression became confused.
"I have no idea."
He looked toward the Sterling Security agent in the front passenger seat.
The agent touched his earpiece.
Listened.
Then looked back.
"Boss."
"Yes?"
"Someone from the President’s family is here."
Miles frowned.
"Nick?"
The vehicle stopped.
Miles opened the door.
Everyone began getting out.
Nicholas Abbott was standing near the sports car.
Hands in his pockets.
Looking far too pleased with himself.
Miles walked toward him.
"What are you doing here?"
Nick completely ignored the question.
He looked toward Chloe.
"Good morning, Sister-in-law."
Chloe laughed.
"Good morning."
Then toward Daniel and Elena.
"Uncle Daniel."
"Aunt Elena."
Elena smiled.
"Good morning, Nick."
Nick noticed Hope and Asher climbing out of the vehicle.
Both were rubbing their eyes.
"Good morning, little ones."
Hope gave him a sleepy wave.
Asher muttered,
"Morning."
Miles stepped into Nick’s line of sight again.
"I asked you something."
Nick finally looked at him.
"I’m coming with you."
Miles stared.
"Hun?"
"Star Harbor."
Nick pointed toward the jet.
"With you."
Miles looked toward Chloe.
She suddenly remembered something.
"Oh."
Miles turned.
Chloe smiled awkwardly.
"Sister Monica told me last night."
"You forgot?"
"I forgot."
Miles stared.
Chloe smiled sweetly.
"Sorry."
Elena immediately looked pleased.
"That’s wonderful."
She turned toward Nick.
"You can stay with us."
Nick’s expression brightened.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"You’re the best, Aunt Elena."
Miles looked between them.
"Why does he get to stay in our house?"
Elena gave him a look.
Miles immediately became quiet.
Nick smiled triumphantly.
Miles pointed toward him.
"Since when are you this interested in business events?"
Nick stared.
Then slowly smiled.
"You were the one who sent me those kids’ details."
Miles stopped.
Chloe immediately became interested.
"The gaming team?"
Nick nodded.
Miles’ expression changed.
"So?"
Nick grinned.
"I loved their idea."
Miles smiled.
"Really?"
"Really."
Nick continued,
"I tried the prototype."
"It still needs work."
"But their optimization method is impressive."
Chloe’s eyes brightened.
"So you’ll endorse them?"
Nick nodded.
"I’m ready to."
"Wait."
Chloe stared at him.
Nick became suspicious.
"What?"
Her eyes widened.
"You..."
She pointed at him.
"You’re Seven Tailed Fox?"
Daniel looked between them.
"A fox?"
Nick laughed.
"Yes."
Chloe stared in disbelief.
"The President’s son..."
"...is secretly one of the country’s top gamers?"
Nick looked proud.
"Internationally, actually."
Miles rolled his eyes.
Daniel finally understood.
"Oh."
"It’s a gaming name."
"Yes."
Nick looked toward him seriously.
"But please keep it secret."
Daniel immediately nodded.
"Of course."
"Of course."
He smiled.
"Everyone needs hobbies."
Nick nodded.
"Exactly."
Elena looked amused.
Miles checked the aircraft.
"Alright."
Then another thought came.
He turned toward Nick.
"Are you sure about this?"
"About what?"
"Coming with us."
Miles glanced toward the black SUV.
"What about Secret Service?"
Nick sighed.
"Dad said it’ll be fine."
"He already sent several agents to Star Harbor."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
Nick continued,
"And..."
"He said additional security will probably be unnecessary once I’m with you."
Miles stared.
Nick spread his arms.
"Seriously."
"Do you know how annoying that is?"
Miles smiled.
Nick continued,
"I’m the President’s son."
"I have Secret Service."
"And Dad basically said..."
"’You’re with Miles, you’ll be fine.’"
He shook his head.
"I’m jealous of you."
Miles laughed.
"Come on."
He gestured toward the aircraft.
"Let’s go before ATC starts complaining about us blocking their schedule."
Nick stared.
Then followed.
"Okay, okay."
He smiled mischievously.
"Mr. Law-Abiding Person."
Miles stopped.
Slowly turned.
"Sarcasm?"
Nick grinned.
"Was it too obvious?"
Miles narrowed his eyes.
Nick immediately started walking faster toward the jet.
"Come on, General."
Miles followed him.
Chloe laughed behind them.
Elena shook her head.
Daniel picked up Asher.
Hope took Chloe’s hand.
And beneath the early morning sky...
The Sterling family boarded their flight home.
This time...
With one extra passenger.