Chapter 6 - The Collapse of the Syndicate
Marcus Sterling froze like a deer in headlights, the documents slipping from his fingers and scattering across the wet concrete.
Chloe let out a piercing shriek of absolute terror, throwing her hands over her head as four heavily armed federal marshals leapt out of the leading tactical van, their weapons drawn and laser sights training directly on the group.
Evan spun around frantically, his eyes darting toward the water, realizing instantly that every escape route was sealed tight. ""What is this?! Who called the feds?!"" he screamed, stumbling backward against the side of his Lexus.
""We did, Evan,"" a calm, cutting voice echoed through the wet night air.
I stepped out from the shadow of the surveillance van, pulling back my hood. Vesper Vance walked right beside me, holding a thick, leather-bound folder containing certified copies of every financial transaction, audio recording, and security log we had gathered over the past forty-8 hours.
Evan’s jaw dropped so low I thought it might unhinge. The color drained completely from his face, leaving him looking like a corpse in the glare of the floodlights.
""C... Claire?"" Evan stammered, pointing a shaking finger at me. ""How... how are you here? You were supposed to be in Chicago!""
""Did you really think I wouldn't notice my own husband stealing my emergency savings, bringing his mistress into my home, and conspiring with a corporate criminal to loot my dead father's legacy?"" I asked, my voice slicing through the cold air like a razor.
Marcus Sterling glared at me with pure, venomous hatred. ""You stupid, arrogant little bitch,"" Marcus snarled, taking a step forward before a federal marshal shoved him roughly against the side of his black SUV, clicking heavy steel handcuffs securely around his wrists. ""You have no idea what forces you're messing with. Carter will—""
""Carter is currently being fitted with matching titanium bracelets at his penthouse across town,"" Vesper Vance interrupted smoothly, stepping forward with an amused smile. ""Federal agents raided his offices twenty minutes ago, Mr. Sterling. Your little syndicate is completely dismantled. Game over.""
Two federal marshals marched over to Evan and Chloe. Evan began weeping openly, babbling pathetic excuses as the cold steel cuffs snapped around his wrists.
""Claire! Please!"" Evan wailed, thrashing uselessly as they dragged him past me toward the transport van. ""Think of Noah! We're a family! You can't do this to me!""
""You stopped being a family the moment you decided to rob my son's future and terrorize our home,"" I said coldly, not flinching for a single second.
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As they shoved Evan into the back of the paddy wagon, I watched the heavy steel doors slam shut, sealing his fate once and for all.
Marcus Sterling was hauled away right behind him, cursing furiously into the rainy night.
