Chapter 10 - The Vow
Astrid fired her weapon a fraction of a second later, hitting Julian in the leg and dropping him instantly to the floor.
Thea screamed, scrambling across the floor to press her hands desperately against Lachlan's bleeding shoulder.
Security guards flooded the room moments later, subduing Julian and stripping him of his weapon.
The police arrived swiftly, arresting Julian and several corrupt board members based on the evidence in the red folder.
Over the next few weeks, the entire corporate board was viciously purged of all dissenting voices.
Lachlan recovered beautifully from his gunshot wound, officially retaining his position as CEO with full public knowledge of his restored sight.
Thea's mother received the finest surgical care in the country and was resting comfortably on the path to a full recovery.
One quiet evening, Thea stood on the balcony of their new, secure home, looking out over the city skyline.
Lachlan walked up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"The contract is technically fulfilled," he murmured softly into her hair.
"You are completely free to leave if you want to."
Thea turned around, looking up into those piercing gray-blue eyes that she had fallen entirely in love with.
"I am exactly where I want to be," she smiled, pulling him down for a deep, passionate kiss.
They had finally found real love in the absolute center of a chaotic, dangerous lie.
The next morning, they returned to the estate to celebrate their final victory with a quiet brunch.
Thea walked into the foyer and casually picked up the daily mail resting on the silver entrance tray.
At the very bottom of the stack was a thick, black envelope sealed with dark crimson wax.
May you like
She broke the seal and pulled out a single, recent photograph of Lachlan's presumed-dead father standing in front of their corporate headquarters.
Written on the back of the photograph in neat handwriting were the words: "I am still alive, and you took my seat."
