Chapter 5 - A Lover’s Price
Helena’s red gown was torn at the hem, coated in white plaster dust and cellar soot. The manicured glamour was stripped away, leaving behind wild, dilated pupils and trembling hands holding the .357 Magnum level with Victor’s chest.
"You weren't supposed to be here, Victor," Helena whispered, her chest heaving. "Julian was supposed to go missing while you were in Geneva. Why did you come back early?"
"Because I love my son," Victor said steadily, shifting Julian behind his back, shielding the child with his broad frame. "Why, Helena? I gave you half my company. I put your name on my properties. What could they offer you that I haven't already provided?"
A bitter, cracked laugh spilled from her lips. "Your company is drowning in hidden debt, Victor! Don't play the benevolent king. I found the forensic audits in your desk. You’re six months away from insolvency, and Julian’s maternal trust fund is the only thing keeping the Sterling empire liquid. If he dies before turning five, the trust defaults... to his legal guardian. Me."
Victor narrowed his eyes. "You didn't uncover those audits alone. Someone planted them."
"It doesn't matter," Helena snapped, cocking the hammer of the revolver. "The Greeks promised me thirty million in an offshore account the moment the transfer papers are cleared. Give me the boy, Victor. Step into the shelter, close the door, and I let you live."
May you like
"You wouldn't let me live," Victor said calmly. "You know me too well."
Before Helena could squeeze the trigger, a hand emerged from the darkness behind her, clamping firmly around her wrist and forcing the revolver upward as it discharged with an ear-splitting bang into the stone ceiling.
