Chapter 10
Back at the estate, the evening shadows lengthened across the lawn, stretching toward the tranquil surface of the swimming pool. Robert stood on the back patio with a cup of black coffee in his hand, watching the amber glow of the setting sun reflect off the water. The security perimeter had been doubled; private guards now patrolled the estate boundaries around the clock, ensuring that no outside threats could penetrate the sanctuary he had built for his family.
Marcus stepped out onto the patio, his footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path. He stood beside Robert, looking out over the manicured grounds.
“The syndicate that backed Elena has gone dark,” Marcus reported quietly. “Our cyber-intelligence team traced their encrypted servers to a shell company in Panama. Within the hour, that shell company dissolved itself. They’ve cut all ties with her.”
Robert took a slow sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable. “They realized the authorities were sniffing around. Criminals of that caliber don’t risk exposure for a failed asset.”
“Precisely,” Marcus agreed. “Which means Elena is completely isolated. Her trial for attempted endangerment will proceed next month, and given the video evidence and witness testimony, the conviction rate is ninety-nine percent. She’ll be behind bars for a very long time.”
Robert nodded slowly, though his eyes remained fixed on the water. “I didn't want this kind of hostility in our home, Marcus. I trusted her because I believed people could find common ground in a shared life.”
“Greed blinds people, Robert,” Marcus said gently. “You protected your granddaughter. That is all that matters now.”
“Protection isn't enough,” Robert said, turning to face his attorney with a look of fierce determination. “We need to ensure the estate is permanently ironclad. I want every single loophole closed, every trust restructured, and every asset locked into an irrevocable generational holding so that Emma’s future can never, ever be compromised by anyone again.”
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“Consider it done,” Marcus replied, pulling a leather folio from beneath his arm. “I brought the preliminary restructuring documents for your review. We can sign them first thing tomorrow morning.”
***
