Chapter 5 - The Price of Greed
Within fifteen minutes, the quiet estate was flooded with red and blue flashing lights.
Sirens wailed through the rainy afternoon.
Paramedics rushed into the study with a gurney.
They quickly evaluated Ava, confirming severe neurological suppression caused by toxic chemical buildup.
They hooked up an IV drip and carefully lifted her onto the stretcher.
"Will she be okay?" Daniel asked the lead paramedic, his voice shaking.
"She’s young, and her heart is strong," the paramedic replied.
"Since she didn't take today's dose, the toxins haven't reached a fatal level."
"With immediate detoxification treatment at the hospital, her nerves will recover."
"She will walk again, sir."
Tears of relief streamed down Daniel’s face.
He squeezed Ava’s hand tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Ava," he sobbed. "I left you with her... I'm so sorry."
Ava squeezed his fingers back weakly, a gentle smile breaking through her exhaustion.
"You came back... that's all that matters."
Meanwhile, police officers were collecting evidence.
They bagged the spilled liquid, the empty chemical vial, and the unsigned trust papers.
They took photos of the bruises on Rosa’s face and Ava’s arms.
When the lead detective approached Margaret with handcuffs, she completely lost control.
"Get your filthy hands off me!" Margaret screamed, struggling against two officers.
"Do you know who I am?! I am Margaret Sterling!"
"My family owns this city! You can't arrest me!"
"Margaret Sterling, you are under arrest for attempted murder, aggravated assault, grand larceny fraud, and illegal possession of controlled substances," the detective announced cold-bloodedly.
"You have the right to remain silent."
They dragged her out of the grand foyer in front of all the neighborhood onlookers.
The prestigious Margaret Sterling, covered in disgrace, shoved into the back of a police cruiser in handcuffs.
As the police cars drove off, Daniel walked over to Rosa, who was sitting on the front porch steps wrapped in a warm blanket provided by an EMT.
"Rosa," Daniel said sincerely, bowing his head.
"You saved my wife's life today."
"If you hadn't knocked that cup away... if you hadn't stood up to my mother... Ava might not be here."
Rosa wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled weakly.
"Mrs. Ava was always kind to me, Mr. Daniel."
"She didn't deserve to be in that cage."
May you like
"You will never have to worry about work or money again," Daniel swore.
"You are family now."
