Chapter 7 - The Political Web
Ethan lowered the phone slowly, his thumb pressing against the screen as the implications settled over him like a dark cloud.
Across the ballroom, Senator Collins was hurriedly packing his leather briefcase at his VIP table, trying to slip out the side exit before the reporters swarming the exits noticed his panicked retreat.
“The senator,” Ava breathed, realization dawning in her mind. “That’s why Adrian was untouchable. That’s why the hospital board never investigated the previous malpractice complaints. Adrian was channeling foundation grants into Collins’s reelection campaign through shell companies.”
Ethan looked down at her, a dark, dangerous smirk touching the corner of his lips. “And Collins thought he could bury a medical syndicate under the guise of pediatric charity.”
Ethan raised the phone back to his ear.
“Are you still on the line, Marcus?” Ethan asked crisply.
“Yes, Mr. Carter. What are your orders regarding the senator?”
“Don't let him leave the building,” Ethan instructed, his voice dropping into a tone that brooked no argument. “Notify the federal prosecutor handling the healthcare fraud division. Send copies of the co-signed trust documents directly to the city’s top three investigative journalists. And have security lock all exterior exits until the federal marshals arrive.”
“Consider it done, boss.”
Ethan hung up the phone and slipped it back into his pocket. He looked back at Ava, his expression softening instantly as he looked down at her. 🇦🇺
“Come with me,” Ethan said, extending his hand.
Ava looked down at his large, steady, calloused hand—the hand that had just dismantled a monster’s empire with a single manila folder. Without a moment of hesitation, she slid her fingers into his, letting him intertwine his grip securely with hers.
“Where are we going?” she asked softly.
“Away from here,” Ethan replied, leading her away from the glittering, chaotic ballroom toward the private executive elevator at the end of the hall. “My penthouse on the top floor is secure. There are medical professionals waiting, and more importantly... you are safe.”
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As the elevator doors slid open, revealing a private, wood-paneled sanctuary far above the noise of Manhattan, Ava looked back one last time at the grand staircase where her old life had finally burned to the ground.
She wasn't afraid anymore.
