Chapter 9 - The Final Showdown at the AirstripTwenty minutes later, Ethan’s security SUV slammed to a halt at the edge of the private Napa Valley airstrip.
A twin-engine private jet sat on the tarmac with its turbines screaming, preparing for immediate takeoff. Standing near the bottom folding stairs was a tall, imposing man in a bespoke gray suit—Arthur Sterling, the ruthless corporate raider Margaret had secretly partnered with years ago before she was betrayed by her own greed.
And held tightly in Arthur's arms, crying softly, were Sophie and Lily.
"Let them go, Arthur!" Ethan roared, stepping out of the SUV with his weapon raised, the wind whipping his jacket around him.
Arthur stopped, turning around with a chilling, arrogant smile. He pressed a cold knife blade gently against Lily's cheek, causing the little girl to sob.
"Ah, the righteous CEO arrives," Arthur mocked, his voice carrying over the whine of the jet engines. "You think you won by ousting Margaret, Ethan? Margaret was small-time. The Carter bloodline ends today, and this airstrip becomes my launching pad."
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Ethan lowered his weapon slightly, his heart hammering against his ribs, calculating every possible angle. "Take everything. Take the company, the houses, the billions. Just give me the girls."
Arthur laughed—a harsh, unhinged sound. "I'll take the billions, Ethan. And I'll take their lives just to send a message."
