Chapter 16 - TURNING THE TIDE
The news broadcast of Emma’s fierce defense and Dominic’s heroic rescue swept across Chicago overnight. Instead of destroying the foundation's reputation, the incident ignited a wave of overwhelming public support. Thousands of small donations poured into the Carter-Vale Reconstruction Project from citizens across the country.
By the next morning, arson investigators confirmed what Dominic already knew: the fire had been set using military-grade incendiary devices—the signature weapon of Apex Legacy Group's private security division.
In the study of the Vale estate, Dominic sat at his desk while a private doctor finished stitching the wound on his temple and dressing the minor burn on his shoulder.
Emma stood beside him, holding a hot cup of tea, her hand resting gently on his uninjured shoulder.
"The police have issued an arrest warrant for the arsonist," Julian reported, stepping into the room. "He was identified as a former operative on Apex's payroll. But Sebastian Vance has already boarded his private jet at O'Hare Airport, preparing to flee back to Geneva before federal charges can be filed."
Dominic stood up, putting on a clean dress shirt over his bandages. "He thinks he can strike my home, hurt my people, and then hide behind international extraditions?"
"What are you going to do, Dominic?" Emma asked softly, her eyes full of deep concern.
"I'm going to finish this," Dominic said calmly. "Not with a gun, Emma. With the truth."
He turned to Julian. "Contact the Federal Aviation Administration and the State Department. Tell them Dominic Vale is requesting an immediate freeze on Apex Legacy Group's corporate assets under the Anti-Racketeering Act."
"Do you have enough evidence for a federal freeze?" Julian asked.
Dominic opened his safe, pulling out a thick steel drive. "When I took over my father's business last year, I didn't destroy his secret ledgers. I archived them. Every corrupt transaction Sebastian Vance's father made with the old council is on this drive—including Apex's current offshore laundering accounts."
Emma smiled, walking over to press her hands against his chest. "You kept the receipts."
May you like
"I learned from the best nurse in Chicago," Dominic murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead gently. "Always keep a full medical record of your enemies."
Dominic looked at Julian. "Set up a press conference at the Federal Courthouse in one hour. Invite every major news outlet in the city. It's time to put the old council in the ground forever."
