Chapter 10 - The Champagne Flight
High above the clouds, the sleek Gulfstream jet cruised smoothly toward Europe.
The cabin was entirely silent, bathed in warm, luxurious light. Eleanor sat comfortably in a plush leather recliner. She had taken off her camel coat and patterned scarf, looking incredibly relaxed and deeply at peace.
Her encrypted smartphone buzzed on the mahogany table next to her. It was a single text message from the lead FBI director: The targets have been secured. The assets are safe. Have a wonderful trip, Mrs. Vance.
Eleanor smiled. A genuine, warm, and deeply satisfied smile.
She had built her empire with blood, sweat, and absolute brilliance. She had survived corporate wars, economic crashes, and ruthless competitors. She was never going to let a weak, entitled grandson and a greedy socialite steal her crown.
The Pilot walked out of the cockpit, holding a fresh, chilled bottle of vintage champagne.
"Is the cabin temperature comfortable, Mrs. Vance?" the Captain asked respectfully, pouring her a fresh crystal glass.
"It is absolutely perfect, Captain," Eleanor replied softly, taking a slow, luxurious sip of the champagne. "Take your time getting to Geneva. I am in absolutely no rush."
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She looked out the window at the endless, beautiful blue sky. The agonizing weight of the betrayal was gone. The venom had been entirely purged from her life. She was the untouchable matriarch, and she was finally completely free.
If you were Eleanor, would you have handed the video over to the FBI, or was destroying their financial lives enough justice for a broken heart?
