Chapter 8 - The Hostage Crisis
Charlotte watched in sheer horror as Margaret waved the stolen pistol recklessly at the terrified gala guests.
Wealthy investors and socialites dropped to the grand ballroom floor, screaming in absolute panic.
Margaret was backed into a corner like a completely rabid, highly dangerous animal.
"I have to go down there before she murders an innocent person," Charlotte declared with fierce determination.
Julian aggressively grabbed her arm, refusing to let her walk blindly into a deadly hostage situation.
"She is out of her mind, Charlotte, the police SWAT team is already breaching the hotel lobby," Julian argued firmly.
Charlotte forcefully shook her head, knowing that her wicked aunt would shoot someone before the police could act.
"She specifically wants me, Julian, and I am done hiding from her," Charlotte replied bravely.
She ran out of the secure control room and sprinted aggressively down the heavy emergency stairwell.
Julian refused to let her face the threat alone and sprinted directly behind her.
They burst through the main ballroom doors just as Margaret aimed the gun at an elderly woman.
"Stop right there, Margaret, I am the one you want!" Charlotte shouted across the massive room.
Margaret immediately snapped her crazed eyes directly toward her hated niece.
She violently shoved the terrified elderly woman away and aimed the pistol at Charlotte's chest.
"You completely ruined my massive corporate empire!" Margaret screamed furiously.
Charlotte slowly raised her empty hands and cautiously took a brave step forward.
"The empire is over, Margaret, you lost everything tonight," Charlotte stated with calm authority.
Heavily armored police officers flooded into the grand ballroom from every single entrance.
Dozens of bright red sniper lasers instantly illuminated directly onto Margaret's expensive designer dress.
The police captain loudly ordered Margaret to drop her dangerous weapon immediately.
Margaret slowly lowered the heavy pistol away from Charlotte's chest.
But instead of dropping it onto the floor, she suddenly aimed it directly at Julian's head.
"If I am going to federal prison, I am taking the man you love with me!" the evil woman shrieked.
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She violently grabbed Charlotte by the hair, using her as a human shield as she began dragging her toward the roof access doors.
"Follow me, and I will blow her brains out right here on the marble floor!" Margaret threatened the paralyzed police officers.
