Chapter 19 - The Final CollapseThe smart-home automation system—which Daniel and Natalie had secretly re-routed over the last three years—wasn't just a security network. It was a failsafe trap.
With a deafening roar, the massive iron-and-bronze chandelier plummeted from the ceiling, crashing down directly between Victor Vance and his vanguard unit, shattering into a million fiery shards as the internal gas lines ignited in a controlled, localized explosion.
Flames erupted across the foyer, trapping the mercenaries in a ring of intense heat and blinding light.
Victor stumbled backward, coughing through the thick smoke, his armored vest smoking. Before he could recover, Natalie dropped down from the balcony directly in front of him, her boots hitting the floor with crushing force.
Victor lunged forward with a combat knife, slashing wildly.
Natalie ducked beneath the blade with practiced ease, gripped his wrist, twisted it with bone-breaking leverage until the knife clattered to the floor, and drove her elbow straight into his chest with all her body weight behind it.
Victor gasped for air, his eyes rolling back as he collapsed hard onto the scorched marble floor, completely unconscious.
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Within minutes, the remaining mercenaries—surrounded by fire, cut off from their commander, and pinned down by Daniel’s tactical snipers—dropped their weapons and raised their hands in unconditional surrender.
The siege of the Brooks mansion was over.
