Chapter 9 - The Tainted Victory
The tactical team fanned out perfectly, securing all exits in the VIP lounge.
I lowered my weapon, expecting Carter to walk through the door with the local police.
Instead, a man in a sharp grey suit stepped into the room, flashing a gold badge.
“FBI Special Agent Reynolds,” the man announced, his eyes sweeping over the bleeding CFO and my cowering husband.
Carter had bypassed the corrupt local police and called his federal contacts directly.
Reynolds looked at the gun in my hand, then at Marcus writhing on the floor.
“Put the weapon on the table, Mrs. Sterling,” Agent Reynolds commanded gently but firmly.
I complied immediately, knowing the audio recording downstairs was enough to put Marcus away for life.
Two agents hauled Marcus to his feet, ignoring his screams of pain as they slapped heavy steel cuffs on his wrists.
Brandon crawled out from under a side table, holding his hands up in the air.
“I am a victim here! They poisoned my wife and threatened my life!” Brandon babbled, trying to save himself.
Agent Reynolds simply smiled and pulled out a separate arrest warrant.
“Brandon Sterling, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, corporate fraud, and child endangerment,” Reynolds read loudly.
They dragged Brandon out of the room while he wept like a frightened toddler.
Agent Reynolds turned to me, his expression softening slightly.
“Your security chief successfully defused the device at the safehouse ten minutes ago, your son is perfectly safe,” he assured me.
A wave of profound relief crashed over me, completely washing away the adrenaline that had kept me standing.
I had done it.
I had systematically dismantled a hostile corporate takeover and saved my child’s life in a single day.
I walked downstairs into the main ballroom, flanked by federal agents.
The crowd of elite guests parted in stunned silence as I walked out the front doors of the gala.
The flashing lights of the police cruisers illuminated the rainy street as they shoved Nicole, Brandon, and Marcus into separate vehicles.
I climbed into the back of my armored SUV, where Carter was waiting with a sleeping Ethan safely tucked into a blanket.
I kissed my son’s forehead, grateful that the nightmare was finally over.
I reclaimed my company, eliminated the traitors, and secured my fortune forever.
Or so I thought.
We arrived back at the mansion, and I carried Ethan up to his bedroom to let him sleep.
May you like
I walked down the hallway to my master bedroom, desperate to finally rest.
When I turned on the lights, a pristine black gift box was sitting perfectly in the center of my bed.
