Chapter 9 - The Siege of Blackwood Tower
Pandemonium broke out in the ballroom. Sirens wailed outside the hotel as four federal agents stepped through the main entrance, led by Marcus and the head of the Seattle Police Department.
"Julian Rowan," the lead agent announced, stepping up the stairs with handcuffs drawn. "You are under arrest for corporate fraud, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and attempted grand larceny."
Julian looked around frantically like a trapped animal. Seeing no escape, his eyes snapped to James sleeping against Declan’s chest. In a final, desperate act of madness, Julian lunged forward, reaching for the baby wrap!
"Declan!" I screamed.
Before Julian’s fingers could even touch the fabric, Declan’s hand caught Julian by the throat with terrifying speed. Declan slammed his stepbrother down onto the hard oak stage, pinning him effortlessly while protecting James with his arm.
"If you ever look toward my family again," Declan whispered into Julian's ear, his green eyes burning with an unholy fire, "I will destroy every single thing you have ever touched, loved, or owned. Do you understand me?"
Julian whimpered, nodding frantically as federal agents rushed forward to slap the cuffs onto his wrists and drag him away through the sea of flashing cameras.
The board members stood in stunned silence. Then, slowly, the chief board member began to applaud. Within seconds, the entire ballroom erupted into a roaring ovation for the CEO and his family.
May you like
Declan didn't care about the applause. He turned his back on the crowd, wrapped his arm tightly around my waist, and looked down at our son, who had barely even stirred through the chaos.
"Let's go home, Clara," Declan whispered, kissing my forehead softly. "We're done with corporate games."
