Chapter 10: The Handcuffs of Collusion
The blinding beam of the deputy’s flashlight pinned Elena against the floral wallpaper like an insect under a microscope. Her gold hoop earrings caught the harsh white light as she stood frozen with her hands raised, the gold gleaming against the dark background of the panic-stricken foyer.
“Step away from the door and place your hands behind your head!” the lead officer commanded, his hand steady on his firearm as he scanned the chaotic scene—Clara writhing in pain on the Persian rug, little Lily clutching her white stuffed rabbit while sobbing hysterically, and Eleanor standing calmly by the navy blue runner.
Elena’s mind raced at blinding speed, calculating exit strategies, legal loopholes, and bribes, but the cold steel barrel of reality was pointed directly at her chest.
“There’s been a mistake,” Elena said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline roaring in her ears. “This man is legally dead. He’s an impostor trespassing on private property.”
Julian chuckled softly, stepping forward into the light with a calm, unbothered demeanor that infuriated Elena even further.
“I assure you, Officer, I am very much alive,” Julian said, pulling out his driver’s license with two fingers and holding it up for the deputy to see. “And the woman you’re holding has spent the last forty-eight hours systematically fabricating asset transfers and locking an expectant mother in an unauthorized domestic ward.”
The second deputy hurried past Elena, kneeling beside Clara, who was now clutching her abdomen and gasping for air.
“We need an ambulance here immediately!” the deputy shouted into his shoulder radio. “Code three, obstetrics emergency at the Blackwood estate!”
Elena watched the officers take control of the scene, her chest tightening with suffocating rage. She had bought every single share of this house. She had scrubbed the family’s name from the tax rolls, the bank accounts, and the local registries. Yet here she was, treated like a criminal in her own foyer.
“Don’t touch her!” Elena snapped instinctively as the deputy reached out to support Clara. “She’s part of their conspiracy to defraud me!”
“Shut your mouth, ma’am,” the lead officer ordered harshly, stepping forward and grabbing Elena’s wrists with rough efficiency.
The heavy click of steel handcuffs snapping into place echoed like a gunshot through the hall. Elena winced as the metal bit into her skin, her dark eyes locking onto Julian with pure, unadulterated venom as he watched her subjugation with serene satisfaction.
“You think the handcuffs mean you’ve won, Julian?” Elena whispered fiercely, her voice dripping with cold defiance as she was forcefully turned toward the exit.
May you like
Julian stepped closer, his breath warm against her ear as the deputies began to guide her toward the open front door.
“The handcuffs are just the prologue, Elena,” Julian whispered back. “Wait until the coroner finishes digging up the garden.”
