Chapter 11 - The Fall of the House
The heavy oak doors burst open as tactical state troopers swarmed the foyer, their rifles raised, flashlights slicing through the smoke and gloom.
"State Police! Hands where we can see them!"
Julian immediately raised his hands, stepping between the officers and Clara to ensure she remained shielded from any confusion. "My name is Julian Vance. I am the owner of this property. The individuals responsible for corporate sabotage and assault are Gregory Ross and Walter Sterling. I have the evidentiary files prepared for handover."
Troopers quickly secured Ross, who began babbling names, offshore account numbers, and political figures in a desperate bid for state immunity.
Two officers approached Walter on the staircase. The old butler offered no resistance. He extended his wrists willingly, allowing the cold steel cuffs to snap around them. As they led him down the stairs, he paused beside Clara.
"Forgive me, child," Walter whispered, his eyes sunken and vacant.
Clara looked at the man who shared her blood, the man who had traded her mother's life for a butler's livery in a marble tomb.
May you like
"My mother forgave everyone, Walter," Clara said, her voice steady and clear. "That was her strength. But I am not my mother. You will answer to the law, and you will think of her every single day you spend behind bars."
Walter bowed his head, unable to meet her gaze, and allowed himself to be escorted out into the rain.
