Chapter 29 - The Final Showdown at the TopThe grand reading room of the Green Library was bathed in the pale, ethereal moonlight filtering through the massive stained-glass dome overhead.
Julian stood near the center balcony, holding a heavy-duty detonator box connected to the library's structural demolition charges. Tied to a chair nearby was Marcus, bruised and bleeding from a cut on his temple, but glaring up at Julian with unyielding defiance.
"Isabella, no! It's a trap!" Marcus shouted hoarsely as Isabella stepped out of the stairwell.
"Shut up!" Julian snapped, kicking Marcus's chair roughly. He turned his attention to Isabella, a manic grin spreading across his face as she walked slowly toward them across the polished marble floor.
"Welcome to the end of the line, Izzy," Julian laughed, waving the detonator. "One push of this button, and this entire historic building collapses into dust, burying our little family secret forever."
"You're insane, Julian," Isabella said calmly, stopping ten feet away, keeping her hands visible and relaxed. "Your uncle let his obsession consume him. And now you're throwing your life away for a ghost."
Julian’s smile faltered, a flash of genuine anger crossing his features. "You don't know anything about my family!"
May you like
"I know everything I need to know," Isabella replied steadily. "You're a coward hiding behind an old grudge."
Julian raised his finger, his thumb hovering over the red detonator button. "Then die with them!"
