Chapter 6 - The Secret Partner
Three days after the gala scandal, Eleanor sat in the corner executive office of Hartwell Global, overlooking Central Park. Sunlight flooded through the massive windows, casting a warm glow across her polished mahogany desk.
Sitting across from her was her brother, Mason, sipping dark coffee while reviewing a stack of legal documents.
"Preston's lawyers called this morning," Mason reported, setting his cup down. "He's offering to surrender all claims to your joint marital property if we request the prosecutor to drop the criminal grand jury charges."
Eleanor leaned back in her leather armchair, a faint, cold smile touching her lips. "Tell them no. He betrayed this family, stole from our charity, and publicly attempted to humiliate me. He will face the full sentence of the law."
A soft knock sounded at the office door. Eleanor’s assistant stepped inside. "Mrs. Hale... excuse me, Ms. Hartwell. There is a gentleman here to see you. He says he has the final audit report for the Cayman accounts."
A tall man in a tailored dark navy suit stepped into the office. He possessed sharp, striking features, intelligent gray eyes, and an aura of quiet, formidable power.
It was Julian Sterling—the founder of Sterling Forensic Intelligence and one of the most brilliant financial investigators in North America.
"Julian," Eleanor said, her tone softening slightly as she stood up to greet him. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
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Julian walked up to her desk, holding out his hand. When Eleanor took it, his grip was firm, warm, and comforting.
"I promised you I would track down every single cent Preston tried to hide, Eleanor," Julian said, his gray eyes looking deep into hers. "And I always keep my promises."
