Chapter 16 - "THE BILLIONAIRE'S ULTIMATE SACRIFICE ON THE EDGE OF THE SEA"
A howling Pacific gale battered the rusted structure of the abandoned Cape Perpetua lighthouse. Rain slammed sideways against the glass dome at the top of the tower, where wind blew through broken windowpanes.
Daniel burst through the heavy iron door at the top of the winding staircase, his breath ragged, his clothes soaked through with ocean water.
In the center of the dark room, Vanessa Cole stood near the edge of a shattered glass window overlooking the boiling ocean crags below. In her arms, wrapped in a blanket, was baby Clara.
"Vanessa," Daniel said, lifting his hands, taking a slow, steady breath despite the adrenaline screaming through his veins. "I’m here. Just me. No police. I did exactly what you asked."
"You destroyed my life, Daniel!" Vanessa shrieked over the roar of the wind and crashing waves. "I had power! I had status! And you threw me away for a pathetic, plain little mouse and her brat!"
"It wasn't Amy’s fault," Daniel bargained, taking half a step forward. "I am the one who rejected you. I am the one who canceled the merger. Punish me, Vanessa. Take my life. I will jump off this cliff right now if you put Clara down on the floor."
Vanessa looked at him, her eyes wide, manic, and unhinged. She looked toward the dark drop of the cliffside outside the broken window.
"You’d die for them?" she laughed bitterly. "The great Daniel Harrison, begging on his knees?"
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"Yes," Daniel said without an ounce of hesitation. "I would die a thousand times over if it keeps my daughter safe. Take me, Vanessa. Let her live."
He stepped toward the edge of the window frame, preparing to leap into the dark abyss below to save his child.
