Chapter 13 - The Confrontation
Richard did not hesitate.
Before Marcus could draw his gun, Richard lunged forward.
The two men crashed to the floor, struggling for control of the crowbar.
Marcus was younger and stronger, but Richard was fueled by a desperate, protective rage.
They rolled across the dusty floor, smashing into an old wooden coffee table.
Richard managed to punch Marcus in the jaw, sending him stumbling back.
But Marcus quickly recovered, kicking Richard in the chest.
Richard fell back, gasping for air.
Marcus drew his weapon, pointing it directly at Richard.
"It's over, Sterling," Marcus sneered, wiping blood from his lip. "You should have stayed in your pretty penthouse."
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from the doorway.
"Drop the weapon! Police!"
Several armed police officers stormed into the room, their weapons raised.
Behind them stood Thomas.
He had called the police the moment Richard hung up, sensing the danger.
Marcus froze, realizing he was completely surrounded.
Slowly, he lowered his gun and raised his hands.
An officer stepped forward, cuffing Marcus and taking the manila folder from his hand.
Richard stood up, brushing the dust from his suit.
He took the folder from the officer, his hands trembling.
He opened it.
Inside were bank statements, wire transfers, and emails dating back twenty years.
They proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Richard's father had used illegal offshore accounts to build the Sterling empire.
But there was also something else.
A note from Sarah.
"Richard,
I found these documents among your father’s things when he came to threaten me.
I kept them as insurance. To keep him from hurting Emily.
I never wanted to use them to destroy you.
I only wanted to keep our daughter safe.
Use them wisely.
Sarah."
Richard closed the folder.
May you like
He had the weapon that could destroy his company.
But he also had the weapon that could destroy Victoria.
