Chapter 7 - The Shipyard Exchange
Ethan hailed a passing taxi and ordered the driver to head toward the industrial harbor.
He held Sophie tightly against his chest, promising her this nightmare would soon end.
He knew he was walking directly into a deadly trap, but he could not abandon his sister.
The taxi dropped them off at the rusted entrance of the abandoned shipyard.
The air smelled strongly of salt water, decaying metal, and diesel fuel.
Ethan found a secure, hollowed-out shipping container and hid Sophie inside.
He handed her a small flashlight and told her not to come out until he returned.
He walked alone toward the main loading dock where Celeste had instructed him to wait.
Celeste was standing near the edge of the pier, wearing an immaculate white trench coat.
Richard stood right beside her, holding a terrified Sarah at gunpoint.
Ethan held up the thick folder containing the original trust documents.
He demanded that they release his sister before he handed over the paperwork.
Celeste laughed mockingly and told Richard to let the crying woman go.
Richard shoved Sarah forward, and she ran desperately toward Ethan's open arms.
Ethan handed the documents to Celeste, feeling a deep sense of defeat.
Celeste eagerly inspected the paperwork, verifying that the signatures were completely authentic.
She smiled wickedly and told Ethan that he was incredibly foolish for trusting her.
Richard raised his pistol again and pointed it directly at Ethan's head.
Ethan asked Celeste why she had gone to such elaborate lengths to ruin his life.
Celeste stepped closer, her beautiful face twisting into an expression of pure hatred.
She revealed that Clara had actually hired her to infiltrate the family.
Ethan stared at her in total confusion, completely unable to process the statement.
Celeste explained that Clara was deeply involved with the criminal syndicate before they met.
She said Clara had masterminded the entire trust fund scheme to steal the family fortune.
Ethan shook his head, refusing to believe his beloved wife was a criminal mastermind.
Celeste smiled coldly and told him he didn't have to take her word for it.
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She pointed a manicured finger toward a rusty freighter moored at the end of the dock.
Celeste whispered that Clara was actually still alive and waiting inside that ship.
