Chapter 9: The Sirens Approach**
Julian spun around toward the rear terrace doors. "You called the county sheriff?"
"I called the State Police," Clara said coldly. "And the Federal Marshals. They’ve been auditing your foreign accounts for six months, Julian. I gave them the ledger keys forty-eight hours ago."
Julian looked like a trapped animal. The arrogance that had coated him like armor had stripped away, leaving only the frantic desperation of a cornered thief. He lunged toward the desk, sweeping the documents and a thick leather briefcase into his arms.
"You won't get a cent!" Julian screamed at Clara. "I’ll burn the trust to the ground before I let you have it!"
He charged toward the French doors leading to the rear veranda, kicking through the glass panels and vanishing into the black woods behind the estate.
Marcus made a move to follow, but Clara raised a hand.
"Let him run, Marcus," she whispered softly. "The mountain has only one road down. And he has nowhere left to go."
Elena sat up slowly on the floor, groaning as the pain in her temple flared. She wrapped both arms tightly around Leo, rocking the shivering child back and forth.
May you like
"It's over, Leo," Elena whispered into his hair. "You're safe. I’ve got you."
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