Instead, working out of a small warehouse in Queens, Jack had built Vanguard Global Logistics—a specialized, high-security supply chain and defense transport network. Over five years, utilizing his military contacts, relentless work ethic, and brilliant tactical mind, Vanguard had grown into a multi-billion-dollar shadow titan. Jack owned 100% of the company. He didn't do society interviews; he didn't attend charity galas; he reinvested every dollar into expanding his fleet, purchasing ports, and securing federal contracts.
In terms of liquid assets and real corporate power, Jack Vance could buy and sell the Van Der Bilt real estate holding company three times over. He had kept his wealth quiet so Lily could grow up humble, grounded, and surrounded by real people rather than opportunistic sycophants.
But tonight, Eleanor had crossed the line from snobbery to emotional abuse. She had attacked his daughter. The time for humility was officially over.
Jack climbed back into the driver's seat, pulled back onto the highway, and tapped the encrypted satellite communications interface on his dashboard.
"Connect to Marcus," Jack commanded the system.
Two seconds later, the deep, alert voice of Marcus Thorne—Vanguard’s Chief Financial Officer and Jack’s former tactical second-in-command—filled the cabin. "Jack. It's Sunday night. Tell me you're not calling about the European shipping lanes."
"I'm calling about Van Der Bilt Enterprises, Marcus," Jack said, his voice cold, analytical, and entirely devoid of mercy. "I want a complete financial autopsy on Eleanor Van Der Bilt’s holding companies by eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Debt leverage, over-leveraged properties, vulnerable credit lines—everything."