Chapter 7 - The Trap
My mind raced as I stared at the horrifying video on the laptop screen.
Chloe had obviously used Marcus as a convenient distraction while she orchestrated the actual kidnapping.
She had posted bail using hidden funds and decided to take her violent revenge immediately.
“I want ten million dollars in untraceable cryptocurrency transferred to this account within one hour,” Chloe demanded in the video.
“If you call the cops again, this entire building burns to the ground.”
Julian immediately authorized the massive financial transfer without a single second of hesitation.
“I don't care about the money, I just want Emma back safely,” he yelled at his security team.
I leaned closer to the bright computer screen, my eyes scanning every single pixel of the dark background.
There was a faint, colorful reflection shining on the dirty wall behind Emma.
It was a highly distinct stained-glass pattern featuring a sprawling oak tree.
I gasped loudly and grabbed Julian’s arm.
“I know exactly where they are hiding.”
“That stained glass is from the abandoned west wing of the Grand Harrington Hotel.”
Julian’s security team immediately geared up with tactical weapons and bulletproof vests.
I absolutely refused to stay behind in the penthouse safely.
I forced Julian to let me ride in the back of his armored SUV.
We arrived at the dark, silent hotel and bypassed the main lobby entirely.
The security team silently breached the heavy wooden doors of the abandoned west wing.
We crept down the dusty, unlit corridor toward the presidential suite.
Julian kicked the heavy door completely off its hinges and stormed into the room with his weapon drawn.
Emma was sleeping peacefully on the massive king-sized bed, completely safe and unharmed.
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But the real shock was waiting for us in the center of the room.
Marcus was lying on the expensive carpet in a massive pool of his own blood.
