Chapter 4: The Final Stand
The doors burst open again, not by Elena's men, but by Richard’s private security firm. Chaos erupted. Shots didn't ring out—this was a ballroom, not a battlefield—but the security team shoved the guests aside, trying to create a path for Richard to escape into the chaos.
Richard grabbed a serving knife from a table, desperate to hold Elena back. "You're going to regret this, General! I have friends in the Senate who will have your head for this show of force!"
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"Those friends are currently being briefed on your treason, Richard," Elena said, her voice eerily calm. She didn't reach for her sidearm. She looked him dead in the eye. "You played a game of chess with the wrong player."
As the security team charged, they froze. A laser sight appeared on Richard’s chest. From the rafters, elite snipers—Elena’s backup—had been there since the start. Richard stopped dead. He realized he was surrounded. The police sirens began to wail outside, growing louder. The U.S. Marshals were at the door.
