Chapter 52 - The Truce
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Sienna led Julian down the hidden staircase into the warm, dimly lit sanctuary of The Vault. She didn't want this conversation happening anywhere near the main lobby where a passing staff member might overhear.
She poured two glasses of bourbon, sliding one across the polished brass bar toward her former rival.
"You expect me to believe that you want to help me save the St. Moritz?" Sienna asked, taking a seat on a velvet barstool. "A year ago, you would have burned this building to the ground for a profit margin."
"A year ago, I was a fool," Julian replied, taking a slow sip of the amber liquid. "I built Vanguard. I created the monster that Evelyn is now wielding. She doesn't understand hospitality; she only understands hostile acquisitions. If she takes the St. Moritz, she will gut it."
Victoria walked through the heavy steel door a moment later, having been summoned by Sienna’s urgent text. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Julian sitting at the bar.
"What is he doing here?" Victoria demanded, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"He claims he has inside information on Obsidian Holdings," Sienna explained calmly. "He says Evelyn is preparing a fraudulent lawsuit to drain our capital."
Victoria walked over, crossing her arms as she scrutinized Julian. "And what do you want in return, Julian? A consulting fee? A corner office?"
"I want absolutely nothing from you," Julian stated, looking between the two women. "I know how Evelyn’s legal team operates. I know their shell companies, their offshore accounts, and their pressure points. I am offering you the blueprints to the Death Star."
"It could be a trap," Victoria warned Sienna in a low voice. "He could be feeding us false information to trigger a panicked financial mistake."
Sienna looked at Julian. He was stripped of his power, his pride, and his corporate army. He had nothing left to lose, which made him either incredibly dangerous or incredibly valuable.
"Why should I trust you?" Sienna asked directly.
Julian looked down at his glass, tracing the rim with his finger. "Because when Vanguard threw me to the wolves, every 'friend' I had in the industry stopped returning my calls. When I walked into this speakeasy at my lowest point, you poured me a drink and treated me like a human being. I owe you a debt, Sienna. Let me pay it."
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Sienna stared into his eyes for a long moment, searching for deception. She found none.
"Alright, Julian," Sienna said, setting her glass down. "Show us the blueprints."
