Chapter 8 - The Collapsing House of CardsThe chaos outside the Vale Financial Tower was absolute.
Within minutes of the broadcast, unmarked black SUVs bearing federal internal affairs insignia pulled up behind Vance’s command vans. Armed agents in tactical gear poured out, not to assist Vance, but to surround him.
"Special Agent David Vance," a stern voice echoed through a megaphone, "you are under arrest for corruption, obstruction of justice, and complicity in multiple homicides."
Vance stared in horror as his own subordinates stepped back, their rifles lowering as the internal affairs team swarmed him, stripping away his tactical vest, handcuffs clicking sharply into place.
Up on the 38th floor, the heavy glass doors remained open to the cool night breeze.
Elena stood by the window, watching the arrest unfold below. Little Lucy had woken up and was sitting comfortably on Marcus’s broad shoulders, sleepily pointing down at the flashing red lights.
Nicholas walked up beside Elena, holding two cups of freshly brewed coffee. He extended one toward her.
She looked at the cup, then up at him, a faint, wry smile touching her lips. "Is this one safe?"
"Tested twice," Nicholas replied with a rare, genuine smile. "Certified child-proof."
May you like
Elena took the cup, letting the warmth seep into her hands. "My father would have liked you, Nicholas. He always said the only honest men left in the world were the ones who didn't pretend to be saints."
"Your father was a wise man," Nicholas said, looking out over the city skyline as the storm clouds finally began to break, parting to reveal the first pale rays of dawn. "And his family debt has finally been paid in full."
