Chapter 7: The Confrontation**
Sterling laughed, a dry, condescending chuckle that echoed off the leather-bound books lining the walls. "Do you think anyone cares about some trailer-park brat in West Virginia, Julian? This is geopolitics. We build systems that protect this nation."
"You build empires on the backs of people who can't fight back," Julian replied, stepping closer.
"Clara Miller is at the river facility," Sterling confessed with chilling indifference, leaning over the desk. "In less than an hour, she’ll suffer an unfortunate cardiac arrest while in custody. And after I deal with you, her daughter will disappear into the state foster system, forgotten within a month."
Julian checked his wristwatch. "Thank you, Marcus."
Sterling frowned. "For what?"
Julian tapped his lapel, revealing a miniature high-gain military transmitter linked directly to federal broadcast arrays and the Department of Justice’s internal affairs division.
"For the uncoerced confession," Julian said. "Every word you just spoke was broadcast live across three major network frequencies and recorded onto an immutable public blockchain ledger."
May you like
Sterling’s face drained of color as the sound of blaring sirens began echoing from the long driveway outside.
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