Chapter 7 - The Counter-Strike
Julian Thorne’s face drained of color. He stood up, knocking his chair back. "This is a setup! You have no proof of any illegal activity!"
"We don't," the lead federal agent said, stepping forward. "But the financial records your former associate provided us two hours ago certainly do. It seems someone in your organization was more than happy to turn state's evidence in exchange for immunity."
Julian glared at Clara, realization dawning on him. "You... how?"
Clara smiled coldly. "While you were busy focusing on my bakery, I spent the last three days contacting the local businesses your father ruined. It turns out, your accountant’s sister is a regular customer of mine. She loves my sourdough. And she hated seeing her brother get dragged down by a monster like you."
Julian was led out of the restaurant in handcuffs, his silver cane left clattering on the floor.
As the doors closed, Clara collapsed into Victor’s arms, the adrenaline finally leaving her body. Victor held her so tightly she could barely breathe.
"You did it," Victor whispered into her hair. "You saved us."
May you like
"We saved us," Clara corrected, tears of relief finally falling.
But as they walked out of the hotel, the storm outside seemed to howl louder. The battle was won, but the aftermath of Julian’s desperate final move was about to strike closer to home than they could have ever anticipated.
