Chapter 4: The Trap Closes
Julian’s smile didn't reach his eyes. He blocked the exit. "Father mentioned you were feeling overwhelmed. Let me help you."
He reached for her, and Elara knew that if he grabbed her, it was over. She didn't hesitate. She threw the heavy crystal decanter from the desk at him. It shattered against the wall, the alcohol splashing everywhere. As Julian recoiled, she darted past him, sprinting into the hallway.
She collided with Caleb, who had abandoned the "frail old man" act. He was moving fast, his tuxedo jacket discarded, a tactical earpiece glowing in his ear. "They’ve found the real Arthur," he hissed. "He’s dead in the basement. They’re coming for us."
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The ballroom suddenly went quiet. The lights flickered and died. The Sterling security team—heavily armed, private contractors—swarmed the room. There was no escape through the doors. Caleb grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the service elevator. "We have to go to the roof. The data from the ledger—it’s uploaded, isn't it?"
"It’s streaming," Elara said, tapping her phone. "The whole world is seeing the embezzlement documents right now."
