Chapter 9 - The Devil's Bargain
The fog was thick rolling off the East River when Julian’s black Mercedes pulled up to the pedestrian entrance of the bridge. He stepped out, wearing a dark trench coat, looking haggard and terrified.
Elena stood by the railing, the cold wind whipping her hair.
"How did you get those?" Julian demanded, his voice trembling as he marched up to her.
"I'm an English teacher, Julian. I know how to read," Elena said coldly. "You're stealing from dying children to pay off the Triads in Macau. If the board finds out, you won't just lose your inheritance. You'll go to federal prison."
Julian ran a hand through his hair, pacing frantically. "What do you want? How much? Name your price."
"I told you. I don't want your money," Elena said, pulling a manila folder from her bag. "I want my life back. I want you to go to Richard. You are going to tell him that you’ve had a change of heart. You are going to convince him to publicly welcome me back into the family, acknowledge me as Chloe, and give me my rightful seat on the board."
"He'll never agree," Julian spat. "He hates weakness."
"Then you will make him agree," Elena countered, stepping into his personal space, proving she was every bit a Van Der Beek. "Because if you don't, this folder goes to the FBI, the IRS, and the New York Times tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM."
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Julian stared at her, realizing he was entirely trapped. He had spent his whole life bullying the weak, and now, the sister he dismissed as a peasant had a knife to his throat.
"Fine," he whispered, utterly defeated. "I'll do it."
