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Friday morning brought a heavy, gray mist off the Hudson River, settling over the dirt roads of upstate New York. The old Ford F-150 rumbled to life, puffing white smoke into the cold air.

Dad and I drove into town for basic supplies—groceries, fresh coffee, and a Sunday paper.

When we parked outside the local diner, the bell chimed as we stepped inside. The smell of bacon grease and coffee filled the room. A few locals gave Dad respectful nods. They knew Everett Sullivan as an honest, hard-working veteran.

We sat in a vinyl booth near the back. Sarah, the waitress, walked over with a glass pot of coffee.

"Morning, Everett. Morning, Juliet," she said, pouring steaming black coffee. "You folks see the news? That family down in the city—the Pierces—lost everything overnight. Some mystery investor bought up their entire empire. Karma’s a real bitch, isn't it?"

Dad looked up, a quiet smile touching his lips. "Guess so, Sarah. People reap what they sow."

I took a sip of the bitter coffee. Outside, the mist was burning off, revealing a clear blue sky over the hills.

My phone buzzed. A final secure message from Jackson: All assets transferred. Vanguard Holdings is officially the sole owner of Pierce Group real estate and holdings. Total valuation secured at 1.4 billion.

I locked the phone and looked across the table at my dad.