Chapter 11 - The Precipice
""Don't do it, Victoria!"" Julian shouted, stepping forward with his hands raised, shielding Clara and Leo. ""The building’s automated fire suppression has already isolated the basement charges! Cole told us everything before he was handed over to the federal authorities!""
Victoria laughed hysterically, the wind howling around her as she pushed open the balcony glass doors, stepping out into the freezing rain fifty floors above the pavement. ""You think this was about the building, Julian? Look at your phones! Look at your trading screens!""
Across the boardroom, computer terminals began flashing red alert banners.
Global Logistics Intercept: Vance Cargo Fleets Hacked.
Three Oil Tankers Diverted Toward Hostile Territorial Waters.
""My associates in the syndicate already have the naval coordinates,"" Victoria shrieked over the roar of the wind. ""You broke my hold on the board, but you will be bankrupt by nightfall! The Saint-Claire family will own your vessels on the international auction block!""
Clara calmly handed Leo to Henderson. ""Watch him for one minute, Arthur.""
Before Julian could grab her arm, Clara surged through the open balcony doors into the blinding rain. Her trench coat whipped around her as she charged Victoria.
""You took six years of my son's life!"" Clara roared.
Victoria swung the heavy metal detonator like a club, striking Clara across the cheekbone. Clara stumbled but did not fall. She tackled Victoria around the waist, slamming both of them against the chest-high glass railing of the observation deck.
The detonator slipped from Victoria’s wet fingers, tumbling into the abyss below.
""Get off me, you resurrected bitch!"" Victoria screamed, clawing at Clara’s face, trying to tear open the surgical scars.
May you like
Julian burst onto the balcony, throwing his arm around Clara’s waist and hauling her backward. At that exact moment, Victoria lunged forward to shove them both, but her designer heels slipped on the slick wet tiling.
Her center of gravity tipped. With a piercing scream that cut through the thunder, Victoria tumbled over the balustrade, her fingers barely catching the outer ledge.
