“I have spent twenty years trying to protect her from the consequences of Richard's choices.”
“And what has that protection achieved?”
The question hurt because it was fair.
Eleanor turned toward the window.
“Nothing,” she whispered.
Martin sat beside her.
“Then perhaps you should stop protecting her from the truth.”
For the first time in two decades, Eleanor considered returning to New York.
Victoria's acquisition was scheduled to be announced at a private investor meeting aboard a chartered aircraft flying from London to New York.
The aircraft belonged to Sterling Global Holdings. Its cabin had been redesigned for executive travel, with cream leather seats, polished walnut panels, and a long central aisle connecting the forward conference area to the rear lounge.
Victoria had chosen the flight because she wanted to discuss the final terms away from the company's headquarters.
James Calder would attend.
So would Martin Hale, now acting as an independent legal adviser to one of the institutional investors.
And, to Victoria's surprise, Eleanor Sterling would be on board.
She learned this only after stepping into the cabin.
Her mother sat beside the window in a black silk blouse and tailored trousers. Her silver-blonde hair was neatly styled, and a small leather folder rested on her lap.
For a moment, Victoria could not breathe.
Then anger replaced shock.
“What is she doing here?”
James glanced at Eleanor.
“She was invited by the investor group.”
“By whom?”
Martin stood from his seat.
“By me.”
Victoria looked at him.
“You had no authority to invite her.”
“I did.”
“You are not part of Sterling Global anymore.”
“I am here as an independent adviser.”
“And she?”
Eleanor rose slowly.
“I came because the acquisition documents contain serious irregularities.”
Victoria gave a short, disbelieving laugh.
“Of course they do.”
“I am not here to embarrass you.”
“Then you should have stayed away.”
James moved between them.
“Let's keep this professional.”
Victoria looked at him.
“Do you know who this woman is?”
“Yes.”
“Then you know why she should not be here.”
Eleanor's expression tightened.
“I know what you believe about me.”
Victoria stepped closer.
“You have no right to speak as though we are strangers who simply disagree.”
“I never wanted to be a stranger to you.”
“You made that choice.”
“No,” Eleanor said quietly. “I made a choice to keep you safe.”
Victoria's face changed.
“Do not use that excuse.”
“I won't.”
“Good. Because I am not twelve anymore.”
“I know.”
“Then stop treating me like a child.”
Eleanor looked at her daughter for a long moment.
“You are right,” she said. “You are not a child. And that is why I need you to listen to me.”
Victoria turned away.
“Meeting starts in five minutes.”
She walked toward the conference table.
Eleanor remained standing in the aisle.
Martin approached her.
“Are you all right?”
Eleanor nodded, though her eyes had begun to shine.
“I knew she would be angry.”
“She is afraid.”
“She has every reason to be.”
Martin looked toward Victoria.
“Anger can be easier to carry than grief.”
Eleanor said nothing.
At the far end of the cabin, James Calder opened his laptop and began arranging the acquisition documents.
He had been working with Victoria for four years. He was intelligent, polished, and exceptionally skilled at managing difficult negotiations. He knew how to anticipate her questions and how to make complicated transactions sound simple.
He also knew that the final contract contained a clause that could transfer control of the acquired company's most valuable assets to an intermediary before the independent audit was completed.
The clause was buried in a technical schedule.
The intermediary was called Northbridge Capital Partners.
James had never told Victoria that he had used the same name Richard Sterling had used twenty years earlier.
And he had no intention of telling her now.
The acquisition meeting began with a presentation.
James displayed a series of financial projections on the cabin's main screen. He described the London company as a rare opportunity: a profitable aviation technology business with proprietary navigation systems, long-term government contracts, and a research division that could transform Sterling Global's international operations.
Victoria listened without interruption.
She had spent months studying the acquisition. She understood the technology, the market, and the risks. She had negotiated the price down by nearly twelve percent and secured preliminary support from the board.
She was proud of the deal.
More importantly, she needed it.