Chapter 18 - Celeste's Warning
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Celeste arrived at the Open Door Project two hours later, shaking the rain from her expensive trench coat. She looked healthier than she had during the trials, but a permanent shadow of guilt still lingered in her posture. She sat in Mara’s office, refusing the offer of coffee.
"You don't usually call me here," Celeste said, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "Is this about the twins? Is Iris okay?"
"Iris is fine. Her latest cardiology scan was perfect," Mara said, sitting behind her desk. "I called you here because I need to ask you about Arthur Vance."
Celeste froze. The color drained completely from her face. "Mara, please tell me you aren't looking into Arthur. Please."
"He took a child yesterday, Celeste. A six-year-old boy. He used Vivian’s old playbook. False medical neglect, corrupt judge, immediate sealed custody."
"Arthur isn't Vivian," Celeste whispered, leaning forward. "Vivian was arrogant because she believed her bloodline made her untouchable. Arthur is just ruthless. He doesn't care about legacy. He only cares about control and profit. If Vivian was a snake, Arthur is a venomous spider. He builds webs you don't see until it's too late."
"I don't care what kind of insect he is," Mara said evenly. "I need to know where he keeps his records. Vivian kept a master ledger. Vance must have one too."
Celeste closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. "When Vivian and Arthur had their falling out, Vivian told me to never attend a gala at the Vance Estate. She said Arthur recorded everything. Every conversation, every transaction. He keeps a secure server room beneath his private residence in the Hamptons. It’s entirely off the grid."
"A server room," Mara repeated.
"It’s heavily guarded, Mara. You can't just walk in with a subpoena. His security team consists of former intelligence operatives. If you push him, he won't just tie you up in court. He will hurt you."
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Mara touched the repaired smartwatch on her wrist. "He can try. But he doesn't realize that I’ve already survived the worst thing they could ever do to me. Thank you, Celeste."
Celeste stood up slowly. "Be careful, Mara. The dark didn't die with Vivian's conviction. It just found a new place to hide."
