Chapter 7 — The Woman in White
By morning, every major network carried footage from the gala.
Some called Celeste a war hero.
Others called her a bitter daughter trying to destroy an American company.
Vale Maritime’s stock dropped thirty-two percent before trading was halted.
Arthur held a press conference outside corporate headquarters.
He appeared calm, wounded, and paternal.
“My daughter has endured unimaginable trauma,” he told the cameras. “Our family has tried privately to support her for years. Sadly, she has rejected treatment and chosen public revenge.”
Celeste watched from Moreno’s office.
“He’s using the old diagnosis,” she said.
“He only needs enough doubt to poison a jury pool,” Moreno replied.
A second television screen showed Vivian entering the federal building.
Celeste turned.
“What is she doing here?”
“She requested protective custody.”
Minutes later, Vivian stepped into the conference room wearing a plain white coat. Without the gowns, diamonds, and carefully controlled smile, she looked younger.
She placed a flash drive on the table.
“I copied this from Martin Crewe’s office six months ago.”
Moreno did not touch it.
“Why?”
“Because I knew they were hiding something.”
Celeste laughed once.
“You humiliated me in front of two hundred people last night.”
Vivian’s eyes dropped.
“I thought you came back to destroy us.”
“I did.”
“I thought Father was innocent.”
“You ripped open my dress.”
“I know.”
Celeste stepped closer.
“You laughed at my scars.”
Vivian’s voice broke.
“Because if I didn’t laugh, they would know I was afraid.”
“Of what?”
Vivian looked toward the mirrored glass.
“Father.”
She explained that Arthur had controlled every part of her life: her marriage, her public image, her shares, even her medical decisions. When she questioned him, he reminded her what happened to family members who became disloyal.
The flash drive contained recordings.
On one, Arthur instructed Crewe to fabricate Celeste’s psychiatric evaluation.
On another, he discussed paying a judge to seal her inheritance case.
The final file was recorded three weeks earlier.
Arthur’s voice filled the room.
“If Celeste returns, Reed will protect her. Use the Resolute survivors. Make one of them say she caused the fire.”
Celeste stared at Vivian.
“Did he find someone?”
Vivian nodded.
“A former sailor named Nathan Cole.”
Celeste knew the name.
Cole had been the last man she pulled beneath the collapsing bulkhead.
Moreno opened a live security feed.
A man had just entered the federal lobby.
Nathan Cole stood at the reception desk.
May you like
He carried a folder in one hand.
And a military pistol in the other.
