Chapter 19 - WHISPERS IN THE WIND
Sixteen months of peace passed.
Then a cream-colored envelope arrived.
A three-million-dollar endowment.
Crestview Arts Foundation.
Vanessa was excited.
"This could fund our outreach program for a decade."
Claire smiled.
Then she read the conditions.
Majority board control.
Control over land purchases.
Control over curriculum.
Control over executive appointments.
Her smile disappeared.
"This isn't a donation."
Marcus walked in carrying a business journal.
The cover showed a powerful developer.
JULIAN THORNE.
Marcus's expression changed.
"I know him."
Claire looked at him.
"Who is he?"
"Someone who doesn't give gifts."
Outside, a black luxury sedan stopped.
The doors opened.
Julian Thorne walked inside.
Tall.
Elegant.
Perfectly calm.
He smiled.
"Mrs. Vance."
Claire stood beside Marcus.
"Mr. Thorne."
"I believe you've received my proposal."
"We have."
"And?"
Claire didn't blink.
"No."
Thorne smiled.
"Every nonprofit says no at first."
He adjusted his cuff.
"Until it becomes inconvenient."
Then he walked away.
Marcus watched him leave.
"He just declared war."
Claire looked toward the door.
May you like
"Then he picked the wrong family."
---
