Chapter 2
Julian did not answer right away; instead, he stopped beside the tiny pearl earring that had dropped onto the floor moments earlier.
He crouched down with effortless grace, picking up the shimmering gem between his thumb and index finger.
"This belonged to my late sister," Julian murmured quietly, his eyes darkening as he examined the family heirloom.
"The same sister whose estate you have been systematically plundering for the past six months, Eleanor."
Eleanor's pale face drained of what little color remained as she took another step back toward the open archway.
"That's a lie!" she shrieked, her voice echoing off the high ceilings of the sunlit estate corridor.
"I have managed the family trust in strict accordance with federal law!"
Julian stood up to his full height, towering over her like an absolute authority figure.
"The FBI field office in Boston opened a formal investigation into your offshore shell companies three hours ago," Julian announced smoothly.
Clara gasped, holding baby Leo closer as the reality of Julian's words washed over the room.
"You called the feds on your own cousin?" Eleanor asked, her jaw dropping in utter disbelief.
"I called them on a criminal who put her hands on a mother and her child," Julian corrected sharply.
Outside the grand front doors, the distant wail of police sirens began to rise over the quiet Suburban neighborhood.
May you like
Eleanor panicked, turning around to sprint toward the rear terrace doors.
Before she could take three steps, two uniformed officers stepped through the glass doors, drawing their sidearms.
