Chapter 13
By three o’clock in the morning, the Sterling estate had been turned into an official NYPD crime scene operation.
Forensic technicians in white suits were carrying boxes of evidence out of the hidden sub-basement corridor.
William sat on the leather sofa in his grand living room, holding a mug of warm tea while Ethan slept in his lap.
Emma sat across from him, wrapped in a warm blanket provided by the emergency medical technicians.
A senior detective from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office stepped into the room, holding a thick case folder.
“Mr. Sterling,” the detective spoke quietly, bowing his head slightly. “We’ve just received confirmation from Interpol.”
“The woman you married under the name Isabella Vance is actually Victoria Sterling-Lenz.”
“She’s an international fugitive wanted in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria for the fatal poisoning of three wealthy men.”
William closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the sofa as a long, exhausted sigh escaped his lips.
“She targeted your family two years ago, Mr. Sterling,” the detective continued, turning his gaze toward Emma.
“And if Miss Torres hadn't followed that child’s crying tonight, you would have been dead within a month.”
William opened his eyes, looking directly at Emma with absolute, unwavering respect.
“Emma,” William said, his voice steady despite the fatigue in his eyes.
“Starting tomorrow, you are no longer a member of the housekeeping staff at Sterling Properties.”
May you like
Emma’s heart sank slightly, wondering if she was being quietly dismissed to avoid corporate embarrassment.
“I want you to head the Sterling Family Philanthropic Foundation as our Executive Director,” William offered clearly.
