Chapter 7
The black sedan’s engine idled heavily as the rear door swung open. A tall man in a dark trench coat stepped out onto the asphalt, adjusting silver-rimmed glasses over sharp, calculating eyes. He didn't look like a standard local visitor; his posture was rigid, carrying the unmistakable aura of corporate security and federal jurisdiction.
The state trooper turned away from the gate control panel, resting his hand firmly on his belt as the stranger approached.
"Hold on, officer," the man in the trench coat said, flashing a gold metallic badge that caught the morning light. "My name is Agent Vance—Special Investigator for the Federal Financial Crimes Bureau. I have an active federal warrant to search the Vance estate premises regarding offshore asset concealment."
Julian froze halfway to lifting Clara from the bench. He stared at the federal agent through the half-open iron gate, his mind struggling to process the new layer of catastrophe.
"Federal crimes?" Julian shouted, stepping toward the gap in the fence. "Are you blind? My wife is dying on that bench from poisoning, and you're talking about financial audits?"
Agent Vance glanced coldly at Julian, then let his gaze drift down to Clara's pale, motionless form in the cream dress. He showed no visible emotion, his face remaining as flat and unreadable as stone.
"I am aware of the situation inside the perimeter, Mr. Vance," the agent said smoothly, stepping closer to the gate. "In fact, our surveillance feeds show that your mother initiated a total lockdown of the property precisely twelve minutes before your arrival in the foyer."
The state trooper looked between the federal agent and Julian, his hand dropping away from his holster. "Agent Vance, if there’s a medical emergency inside, my priority is getting paramedics onto the grounds, warrant or no warrant."
"The paramedics are already five miles away," Agent Vance replied, pulling a tablet from his trench coat pocket and tapping the screen. "Your mother rerouted the local dispatch center with a false report of a major gas leak on the north ridge. No emergency vehicles will reach this gate for at least forty minutes."
Sarah let out a choked sob, burying her face in her hands. "They planned everything. They want her gone before anyone can talk."
Julian felt a cold rage surge through his veins, hotter and sharper than any fear he had ever known. He grabbed the iron bars again, leaning his face close to the gap.
"Who sent you?" Julian demanded, his voice dropping into a low, terrifying growl. "You share my last name. Are you working with my mother, or are you here to finish what she started?"
May you like
Agent Vance slipped his tablet back into his coat, a faint, humorless smile touching the corner of his mouth. "I am here to ensure that the truth comes to light, Julian—even if it destroys what's left of this family."
Before Julian could answer, a loud explosion echoed from deep within the estate grounds near the main manor house.
