CHAPTER 20 — THE QUEEN RETURNS

The city did not collapse.

But the Thorne empire changed ownership in less than twelve seconds.

When the screens returned, Celeste Vance controlled the hospitals, banks, media companies, and private security firms once owned by the Thornes.

Beatrice’s fortune vanished.

Julian’s accounts disappeared.

Nathan’s legal identity was suspended.

Even Evelyn’s trust funds were transferred.

Celeste stood beneath the chandelier like a queen reclaiming a stolen throne.

“You used us,” Evelyn said.

“I saved what belonged to our family.”

“You saved it for yourself.”

“For you eventually.”

“No.”

Celeste’s expression hardened.

“You still do not understand what power requires.”

“I understand perfectly. That is why I won’t let you keep it.”

Police and federal agents entered the ballroom.

Their commander approached Celeste.

Then he bowed his head.

“Mrs. Vance.”

The agents turned their weapons toward Beatrice, Julian, Nathan, Mara, Gabriel, and Evelyn.

Celeste now controlled the security contracts governing the operation.

Beatrice laughed softly.

“You see, Evelyn? Your mother was always more dangerous than I was.”

Celeste ordered the agents to take everyone into custody.

Julian reached for Evelyn’s hand.

She almost pulled away.

Then she saw the fear in his eyes.

Not fear for himself.

Fear that she would face Celeste alone.

The agents separated them.

Evelyn was placed inside an armored vehicle.

Mara sat beside her in restraints.

“Did you create a backup?” Evelyn whispered.

Mara smiled without looking at her.

“Of course.”

“Where?”

“You.”

Evelyn turned.

Mara nodded toward the scar on Evelyn’s shoulder.

During the drive from the ballroom, Mara had treated the wound.

She had also placed something beneath the bandage.

“A biometric drive,” Mara said. “Every Nightingale file. Every account key. Every hidden identity.”

“Can Celeste detect it?”

“Not unless your heart stops.”

Evelyn understood.

The drive was linked to a dead man’s switch.

If Celeste killed her, everything would be released.

The vehicle suddenly stopped.

The rear doors opened.

A masked tactical team dragged the federal agents away.

Evelyn and Mara were freed.

Nathan stood outside.

“You escaped,” Evelyn said.

“No.”

He removed the mask.

“I was released.”

“By whom?”

A black limousine waited on the road.

The rear window lowered.

Daniel Vance sat inside.

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He smiled at Evelyn.

“I told you your mother was the real threat.”