Chapter 6: Cornered Beast
The air in the library grew suffocatingly dense. Julian’s hand trembled slightly as he raised the barrel of the gun, pointing it directly at Elena’s chest.
"Put the book down, Elena," Julian spat, stepping forward. "You ruined my family. You destroyed forty years of work in one night. You think you can walk out of here with my life in your hands?"
Marcus immediately moved to step in front of Elena, but she placed a hand on his chest, holding him back. She looked at Julian, her expression completely devoid of fear.
"Your family ruined itself, Julian," Elena said, her voice steady and ringing with absolute truth. "You stole from public pension funds. You ruined thousands of working-class families in Ohio and Pennsylvania so you could buy yachts and throw lavish parties at The Pierre. You aren't a victim. You're a thief with a expensive title."
"Shut up!" Julian screamed, his finger tightening on the trigger. "You’re nothing! A low-level auditor I hired out of pity!"
"Put the weapon down, Julian," Marcus commanded, his voice dropping into a lethal, authoritative register. "The perimeter is already surrounded by state police. The moment a shot is fired in this room, you won't make it to trial."
Julian sneered, his eyes darting frantically between the two of them. "They won't care about a dead auditor! I have immunity! My grandmother has the governor on speed dial!"
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"Not anymore," a sharp voice cut through the hallway.
Constance Sterling stepped into the room, supported by a cane, accompanied by four state troopers. Her face was pale, devoid of all pride. "Put it down, Julian," she whispered weakly. "The governor just issued a public statement severing all ties with us. It’s over."
