Chapter 13: The Collapse
Within minutes, federal agents who had been monitoring Sarah's live data feed stormed into the ballroom, accompanied by local police officers.
Eleanor stepped back, her face pale as two officers approached the stage with handcuffs out. ""You don't understand,"" she stammered, looking at the wealthy donors who were now turning their backs on her. ""I was fixing them! I was making them strong!""
""They didn't need to be fixed, Mother,"" Jack said, his voice dropping to a quiet, painful whisper. ""They just needed to be loved.""
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As the officers clicked the silver cuffs around Eleanor’s wrists and led her off the stage, she looked at Lily one last time. But Lily didn't flinch, nor did she cower behind her father. She stood tall, her hazel eyes steady, holding Jack's hand tightly.
The illusion of control was broken forever.
