Chapter 9 - The Fall of the Empire
Federal agents stormed into the penthouse boardroom, their badges shining under the fluorescent lights.
"Richard and Eleanor Sterling, you are under arrest for conspiracy, corporate fraud, and the attempted murder of Leo Sterling," the lead agent announced.
Eleanor tried to fight the handcuffs, screaming hysterically about her wealth and influence.
"Do you know who I am? I own this city!" she shrieked as an agent forcefully guided her toward the elevator.
Richard offered no resistance.
The proud, ruthless patriarch seemed to age twenty years in a matter of seconds.
As he walked past Leo, he stopped for a brief moment, looking down at the grandson he had tried to erase.
"You are just like your father," Richard sneered bitterly.
"Thank you," Leo replied with absolute icy calm. "That is the highest compliment you could ever give me."
The agents hauled the billionaires away, leaving the boardroom in stunned silence.
The shareholders swarmed Clara and Leo, demanding answers, but Clara shielded the boy.
"No more questions," Clara told the press firmly, turning the wheelchair around.
Marcus was waiting by the service elevator, a wide, triumphant grin on his face.
"Not bad for a housekeeper," Marcus chuckled, helping them into the elevator car.
"I prefer 'Head of the Estate,'" Clara smiled, feeling a massive weight lift from her shoulders.
The news broke globally within the hour.
The Sterling empire’s stock plummeted, only to be immediately frozen by the federal government during the investigation.
Because Leo was officially twelve years old as of midnight, Arthur’s ironclad will was executed flawlessly.
The massive trust fund was securely transferred to Leo, untouchable by the frozen corporate assets.
The nightmare was finally over.
They had exposed the monsters, survived the flames, and won the war.
But as they sat in a quiet diner outside of Chicago later that evening, Leo looked down at his hands.
May you like
"I have the company now," Leo said quietly. "But I still don't have a family."
Clara reached across the table and held his hand tightly.
