Chapter 14 - The Handcuffs Turn
The trap was so masterfully executed that even my own legal team looked at me with suspicion. The headlines flashed across international news: BILLIONAIRE HEIR POISONS WIFE TO RECLAIM FIVE-BILLION-DOLLAR EMPIRE. Sitting in a damp, concrete holding cell at the Cook County Jail, I was completely isolated. Victor had obtained a temporary court order freezing my assets and placing Leo, Sam, and Julian under state protection—supervised directly by Victor’s legal guardians. In jail, a hulking inmate approached my cell door during lockdown, tossing a burner phone through the bars. "Call rang for you, golden boy," he grunted. I pressed the phone to my ear. Victor’s voice came through, dripping with satisfaction. "It’s brilliant, isn't it, Ethan? The world thinks you poisoned her out of greed. While you rot in here, Claire will die in the ICU, and I will inherit full custody of the boys and 100% of the company as their legal trustee. Margaret sends her regards." My chest seized as rage burned through my veins. "Touch my family and I will kill you," I spat. "You're too late, Ethan," Victor chuckled. "Claire won't survive the night."
