Chapter 17 - The Confrontation at the Pier
With the evidence against Marcus in hand, Ethan and Claire cornered him at an ongoing construction site near the city harbor—a project Marcus was now managing using Claire’s stolen designs.
The wind howled off the water, carrying the scent of salt and rain. Marcus stood on the edge of the unfinished concrete pier, holding a blueprint, when Ethan and Claire stepped out from the shadows of the crane.
"Marcus," Claire called out.
The young architect spun around, his face turning pale as he saw the fierce look on Ethan’s face. "Claire? Ethan? What are you doing here? This is a restricted site."
"It’s over, Marcus," Ethan said, walking slowly toward him, his presence commanding and dangerous. "We have the bank records. We know Arthur paid you two hundred thousand dollars to frame Claire for the data leak."
Marcus backed away, his heels hitting the edge of the pier. "You don't understand! Arthur threatened my family! He said if I didn't help him ruin Claire, he’d make sure I never worked in this country again! I didn't have a choice!"
"You always have a choice!" Claire shouted over the roar of the wind. "I lay in a hospital bed for months, fighting for my life, and you used that time to steal my hard work and sell it to a criminal! Turn yourself in, Marcus. Tell the truth about Arthur, or you will go down with him."
Marcus looked terrified, glancing between Ethan and the dark, churning water below. For a second, it looked like he might jump or fight. But Ethan stepped in, grabbing Marcus by the jacket collar, pulling him safely away from the edge.
"Don't make another stupid mistake," Ethan growled. "The FBI is already waiting at the gate."
May you like
As if on cue, the sirens wailed in the distance. Blue and red lights flashed against the concrete structures. Marcus collapsed to his knees, weeping, confessing everything to the approaching officers.
The first major blow against Arthur’s fortress had landed. But as Marcus was led away in handcuffs, he looked back at Claire with a haunted expression. "Be careful, Claire. Arthur told me that if he loses everything... he’s going to make sure you lose everything too."
