Chapter 7 - The Fortress of Ice
The Caldwell private jet landed on a snowy runway just miles from the Sterling estate.
The upstate New York air was bitterly cold, biting through Adrian's thick wool coat.
Three black armored SUVs were waiting for them on the tarmac.
Adrian climbed into the lead vehicle, his mind completely focused on the impending battle.
They drove up a winding, dangerous mountain road that was heavily guarded by security cameras.
When they reached the massive iron gates of the Sterling estate, their path was blocked by six armed guards.
Marcus stepped out of the SUV, holding a heavy assault rifle across his chest.
"Open the gates," Marcus ordered the lead guard, his voice cutting through the freezing wind.
"This is private property," the guard replied, placing his hand on his holstered weapon.
"Turn around now, or we will open fire."
Adrian stepped out of the vehicle, completely ignoring the guns pointed at him.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number that went straight to Arthur Sterling's private office.
"Sterling," Adrian said loudly, his voice echoing off the snowy trees.
"I am standing outside your gates."
"If you do not let me in right now, I will use my controlling shares to bankrupt your tech firm before sunrise."
There was a long, heavy silence on the other end of the line.
"Let him in," a tired, gravelly voice echoed through the guard's radio.
The heavy iron gates slowly swung open, revealing the massive, gothic stone mansion.
Adrian walked past the armed guards, his heart pounding with an intensity he had never felt before.
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He was finally steps away from the ghost that had haunted his life for a decade.
He pushed the heavy mahogany front doors open and stepped into the grand foyer.
