Chapter 7 - Checkmate
Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder by the second.
Charlotte had already sent the encrypted files to the FBI an hour before the gala began.
Panic erupted in the VIP section.
The foreign investors who were about to sign the merger rapidly packed their briefcases and fled for the exits, wanting no part in a murder scandal.
Vivian lost her mind.
Seeing her billionaire dreams crumbling into dust, she let out a feral scream.
She lunged at Charlotte, raising her hands to scratch her face, just as she had done in the lobby.
“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you myself!” Vivian shrieked.
But she never reached her target.
A strong, iron-hard grip clamped around Vivian’s wrist, stopping her mid-air.
Alexander Sterling threw Vivian backward with terrifying force.
She crashed into the podium, tumbling onto the floor in a humiliating mess of torn red velvet and broken heels.
“The police are outside,” Alexander said coldly to Vivian. “I suggest you stay on the floor where you belong.”
He turned to Charlotte, his harsh demeanor softening just a fraction.
“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
“I'm perfectly fine,” Charlotte replied, breathing heavily, the adrenaline rushing through her veins.
The ballroom doors burst open once more.
Dozens of armed police officers stormed the room.
“Richard Sterling! You are under arrest for the murder of Eleanor Vale and corporate fraud!” the captain shouted.
Officers grabbed Richard roughly by the arms, dragging him away as he sobbed and pleaded.
Another pair of officers hauled a screaming, kicking Vivian off the floor.
“I didn't know! I didn't do it! Let me go! I’m rich! I’m Vivian Sterling!” she cried desperately.
As they dragged Vivian past Charlotte, Charlotte leaned in just slightly.
“Actually,” Charlotte whispered, making sure Vivian heard her perfectly. “You’re just a trespasser. And people like you don’t belong in places like this.”
Vivian sobbed hysterically as the doors closed behind her.
The nightmare was over.
The grand ballroom was mostly empty now, save for the police securing the scene.
Charlotte stood alone on the stage, the heavy weight of the last six months finally lifting from her shoulders.
Her knees buckled.
The exhaustion of her fight finally caught up with her.
She started to fall, but strong arms caught her before she hit the floor.
Alexander lifted her effortlessly, holding her close to his chest.
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“You won, Charlotte,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. “You won.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder, letting the tears fall for the very first time.
