Chapter 31 - The Predator’s Reckoning
The room dissolved into absolute chaos. Board members jumped from their seats, screaming for their personal attorneys, desperately trying to dial out on phones that had already been disconnected by corporate security.
Victoria burst into hysterical weeping from her wheelchair. "Julian, tell them! Tell them you forced me to sign those forged wills! Tell them I was just a victim!"
Sterling didn't even look at her. His gaze remained locked onto mine, burning with pure, distilled hatred.
"You think you’ve won, little girl?" Sterling snarled under his breath, leaning in close so only Marcus and I could hear. "Do you have any idea how deep this syndicate goes? You take away my debt, you lock up this pathetic hag Victoria, but the people above me operate governments. You will spend every night looking over your shoulder. Every flight you board, you will wonder if the pressurized oxygen has been cut. You will never sleep peacefully."
"I spent six years sleeping on cold airport benches while my stepmother stole my father's inheritance," I answered, stepping into his personal space, my eyes piercing directly into his soul. "I spent six years loading fifty-pound bags into freezing cargo holds while you and your sycophants toasted each other in first class. I know the dirt. I know the shadows. And unlike you, Mr. Sterling, I don't hide behind mercenaries."
I raised my hand and signaled to the federal officers waiting at the perimeter.
"Julian Sterling, you are under arrest for corporate espionage, high treason, and the murder of Arthur Vance."
Two burly officers stepped forward, twisting Sterling’s arms behind his back. The sharp, metallic snap of handcuffs echoed through the silent boardroom. The aristocratic mask finally shattered completely; his face twisted in savage fury as they dragged him toward the executive elevators.
May you like
"This isn't over, Emily!" he roared as the doors slid shut. "Your father didn't tell you everything! You don't even know what's waiting in the vault!"
***
