Chapter 6 - The Lion’s DenBefore Ethan could draw another breath, two massive federal marshals in tactical gear stepped out of the elevator behind Jonathan, flanked by four of Viktor Rostov’s heavy-set enforcers.
The penthouse had effectively become a federal holding cell.
"Ethan Vance and Brittany Hayes," the lead federal marshal announced, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his tactical belt. "You are under federal arrest for conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, wire fraud, identity theft, and interstate financial laundering."
"No! You can't do this!" Ethan shrieked, thrashing wildly as the two marshals grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him up from the floor. "Do you know who I am? I'm a successful businessman! This is a setup! Emily is dead! Legally dead!"
"Not anymore," Jonathan said smoothly, stepping forward and tossing a fresh, crisp, hot-off-the-presses birth and survival certification right onto Ethan’s chest. "Cross National Insurance has officially amended the claimant status. Emily Parker Vance—and her son—are officially alive, well, and sole majority shareholders of your entire corporate empire."
Brittany shrieked as the second marshal clicked the steel cuffs around her wrists, hauling her up off the marble floor right beside a weeping, broken Ethan.
"You're monsters!" Brittany screamed, thrashing against the marshal as they dragged her toward the private elevator. "You're both psychotic monsters!"
"Takes one to know one, darling," I murmured, watching them disappear into the elevator cabin as the heavy steel doors slid shut, sealing their fate.
The moment the elevator descended toward the underground parking garage where federal vans waited in the rain, the heavy tension in the penthouse finally broke.
I let out a long, slow breath, closing my eyes for a brief second as the adrenaline finally began to drain from my system. My hand drifted down instinctively to rest protectively over my stomach.
My baby gave a gentle, reassuring kick, as if telling me the storm was finally over.
"You handled that like a true Cross," Jonathan said softly, walking over and placing a warm, heavy hand on my shoulder. His stern, powerful demeanor melted away, replaced by the deep, fierce warmth of a father who had spent decades searching for his only child.
May you like
I opened my eyes and looked up at him, a genuine smile finally touching my lips. "I learned it from the best."
Jonathan chuckled, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Come on, kiddo. Let's get you back to the private suite. Doctor's orders: zero stress, maximum luxury, and absolutely no more jumping off snowy mountains."
