Chapter 10
While David and Evelyn navigated the legal battlegrounds downtown, a sleek black sedan idled three blocks away from the penthouse. Inside sat Marcus Thorne, Elena’s primary legal counsel and secret financial advisor, staring at his laptop screen with mounting anxiety. The frozen bank accounts and the sudden escalation of charges to attempted murder had thrown his meticulously planned exit strategy into complete disarray.
Thorne picked up his encrypted burner phone and dialed a direct extension inside the county jail where Elena was being held in protective custody. After two rings, the call was accepted through the inmate communication system.
"Elena, we have a massive problem," Thorne whispered harshly, keeping his eyes fixed on the entrance of the apartment building. "The police didn't just seize the offshore accounts; they've uncovered the pharmaceutical invoices from three years ago. They're moving for an exhumation order on Clara."
Through the tinny speaker, Elena’s voice was shockingly calm, devoid of panic. "Let them dig, Marcus. By the time they get the toxicology results back, you and I will already be across the border."
"With what money?" Thorne hissed. "Every single asset is frozen under federal injunction! David’s legal team is moving faster than we anticipated, and that assistant of his—Sarah—has documented everything. We need to discredit her immediately."
"Then do it," Elena replied coldly. "Plant something in her quarters at the penthouse. Access the service elevator using my master security code before the police change the building's encryption. Make it look like Sarah was the one skimming the funds all along."
Thorne hesitated, his fingers drumming nervously against the steering wheel. "The penthouse is heavily guarded now. David’s mother-in-law is staying there, and private security has been doubled."
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"Find a way, Marcus," Elena commanded before abruptly terminating the call.
Thorne slammed the phone onto the passenger seat, cursing under his breath. He checked his watch—it was 2:15 PM. If he wanted to execute the frame-up before the police executed their search warrant on the property, he had less than an hour to breach the penthouse unnoticed.
