Chapter 14 - Cracks in the Armor
The arson investigation dragged on, but with corrupted officials on Vance's payroll, the blame was subtly shifted back onto the construction team for negligence. The financial strain on the Coleman estate grew tighter as legal fees and frozen assets mounted.
Tension began to seep into the household. Five-year-old Ethan, sensing the distress of his parents and older brother, became quiet and withdrawn, clinging tightly to the wooden airplane Leo had fixed for him.
One evening, Leo confronted Richard in the study. "Let me drop the shelter project, Dad. If I step down, Vance loses his lever against you."
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"No," Richard replied firmly. "If you surrender your dream to fear, Vance wins without firing another shot. We stand our ground, Leo. Truth does not yield to extortion."
Unbeknownst to them, Vance had already set his eyes on his ultimate bargaining chip: young Ethan.
