Chapter 10 - The Fall of the House of Sterling
The flashing red and blue lights of police cruisers painted the lobby of the bank. Elias had not just brought Clara to the vault; he had brought the District Attorney, a man who owed Elias a few heavy favors of his own.
Police officers swarmed the lobby, clicking handcuffs onto Richard Sterling’s wrists. He fought, cursing and spitting, his refined veneer completely shattered.
Eleanor wept, truly wept for the first time, as an officer read her Miranda rights. The diamonds around her neck seemed to mock her as she was shoved into the back of a squad car.
Clara stood on the steps of the bank, watching the cruisers pull away. The rain had stopped, and the early morning sun was beginning to break through the clouds, casting a golden hue over the damp city streets.
She felt a heavy weight lift from her chest. Julian was avenged. The nightmare was over.
Elias stepped up beside her, lighting a cigarette and offering her his jacket against the morning chill.
"The board of directors is already reviewing the documents," Elias informed her. "By noon, you will be the majority shareholder and CEO of Sterling Enterprises. They are terrified of you. Good."
May you like
Clara pulled his jacket tighter around her shoulders, inhaling the scent of sandalwood and danger. "I couldn't have done it without you, Elias. The debt... it's more than paid."
Elias looked down at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "Yes. The debt is paid."
