Chapter 4 - The Ransom of Reputation
The next morning, a black Mercedes G-Wagon tore up the gravel driveway of the Willow Creek house.
Richard Sterling stepped out, wearing a furious scowl and a custom-tailored suit. He didn't even knock; he barged through the front door, his heavy footsteps echoing in the foyer.
“Julian!” Richard bellowed.
Julian walked calmly out of the kitchen, sipping a cup of black coffee. Eleanor and Arthur stood tensely in the background.
“Richard. You’re up early for a Sunday,” Julian said smoothly.
“Where is my daughter?” Richard demanded, stepping into Julian’s personal space. “She called me at 3 AM crying hysterically, saying you threatened her. If you laid a single finger on her, I will bury you.”
“I didn't touch her,” Julian said flatly. “She’s upstairs. But before you take her home, we need to have a chat about Clara Vance.”
Richard’s face twitched. It was a microscopic movement, but Julian caught it.
“I don't know who that is,” Richard lied.
“You paid Sheriff Dobbs fifty thousand dollars to lose the paint transfer evidence,” Julian said, his voice dropping to a dangerous baritone. “I have the bank records of the offshore wire transfer, Richard.”
Richard’s arrogant posture deflated slightly. “Listen to me, you little punk. If you try to extort me—”
“It’s not extortion. It’s a trade,” Julian interrupted. “You are going to confess. You are going to step down from your company, and you are going to hand over the original dashcam footage from Madeline’s car that I know you locked in your personal safe.”
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“And if I refuse?”
“Then I trigger the poison pill clause in the trust. Your company goes under, your shareholders sue you into oblivion, and I take the wire transfers to the FBI. Your choice, Richard. Your money, or your daughter’s freedom.”
