Chapter 13 - The Debt Collector
The courtyard fell dead silent, save for the rhythmic pulsing of the police cruiser’s emergency lights. Julian stared at the federal document in David’s hand, his calculated composure cracking for the first time. The high-priced corporate attorneys flanking him immediately stepped back, exchanging nervous glances.
"That's... that's impossible," Julian stammered, his voice losing its smooth authority. "The holding company was liquidated last year."
"Under your previous shell corporation, yes," David replied, walking slowly toward the steps with the document held out. "But when your late wife discovered your embezzlement scheme three days ago, she quietly bought out the primary debt using her private trust. Legally, Julian, you don't own this house anymore. In fact, you don't own anything."
Clara pushed past Julian on the steps, her face twisted in absolute fury.
"He's lying!" Clara shrieked, her voice echoing off the mansion walls. "Arrest them! I want them off this property right now!"
The state trooper stepped between them, holding up a hand to keep Clara back. "Ma'am, step back. Mr. Miller is an appointed federal auditor acting under court order. We have a warrant to search the premises for financial fraud and investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding the late owner's death."
Maya walked up the steps behind David, holding the luxury handbag securely. She stopped right in front of Clara, looking the older woman dead in the eye.
"You told me I didn't belong here," Maya said, her voice steady and chillingly calm. "You were right. Neither of you do."
Julian’s eyes darted desperately toward his attorneys, but the lawyers were already walking backward toward their own vehicles, abandoning ship. Julian’s face hardened into a mask of pure venom. He took a sudden, aggressive step forward, raising his hand as if to strike Maya across the face.
Before his hand could move an inch, David’s grip locked onto Julian’s wrist with bone-crushing force, twisting the taller man’s arm back with practiced ease.
"Don't even think about it," David whispered, his eyes flashing with lethal intent.
Suddenly, the front doors of the mansion flew open again, and two paramedics rushed out carrying a heavy medical kit, heading straight toward the master bedroom.
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"Officer!" one of the paramedics shouted, breathless. "We checked the master suite upstairs! You need to come up here right now—we found something in the ventilation system."
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