CHAPTER 1: THE WOMAN WHO DIDN'T BELONG
The private aviation terminal at Westbridge International Airport was unlike any ordinary airport.
There were no crowded security lines, no noisy waiting areas, and no passengers rushing toward departure gates. Instead, the terminal was surrounded by polished glass walls, private lounges, expensive vehicles, and a row of magnificent aircraft resting beneath the afternoon sunlight.
Business executives arrived with assistants. Wealthy families boarded private jets without waiting. Security personnel stood near the hangar entrances, carefully monitoring every movement.
Everything reflected money, influence, and privilege.
At approximately three fifteen in the afternoon, a young woman walked into the hangar.
Her name was Victoria Hayes.
She wore a dark green coat, a simple black dress, and ordinary black boots. Her dark hair was pulled back, and a small handbag rested against her shoulder.
Unlike the other visitors, she arrived alone.
She didn't have a driver.
She didn't have an assistant.
And she certainly didn't look like someone who could afford to own a private aircraft.
Victoria stopped near a sleek white business jet.
She looked at it for several seconds.
Then she took a slow breath.
There was something familiar about the aircraft.
Its registration number was the same one she had seen on an old photograph belonging to her mother.
She had spent the previous six months searching for information about that aircraft.
And now, standing inside the hangar, she was finally close to discovering the truth.
A few steps away, several men in expensive suits were speaking with an older gentleman.
His name was Richard Montgomery.
At seventy-two, Richard was a powerful billionaire with investments in aviation, real estate, and international logistics.
His silver hair was neatly combed. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, and a small group of security personnel remained nearby.
He was known for being demanding, intimidating, and extremely difficult to impress.
But there was one subject he almost never discussed.
His family.
Victoria approached the aircraft.
Before she could get any closer, a security employee stepped into her path.
"Excuse me, miss. This area is restricted."
Victoria stopped.
"I understand. I'm here to meet someone."
"Who are you meeting?"
"Richard Montgomery."
The security employee looked at her.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"Yes."
"What's your name?"
"Victoria Hayes."
The employee checked his tablet.
He frowned.
"I don't see your name."
"Perhaps you should check again."
"Miss, I can't allow you to enter without authorization."
Victoria glanced toward the older man.
"Could you please tell him that Victoria Hayes is here?"
The employee shook his head.
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
Victoria looked disappointed.
"I've traveled a long way."
"That doesn't change the security procedure."