Chapter 9 - SERENA’S REAL PARTNER
For the first time, Damien looked afraid of Serena.
“You used me,” he said.
“I used everyone.”
Serena stepped down from the stage, the remote steady in her hand. Her crimson dress had been replaced by stolen hospital scrubs beneath a black coat, but her posture remained perfect.
She ordered Victor to place his phone on the floor.
“You wanted Ethan’s trust,” Victor said. “Why destroy the hotel?”
“The trust was only leverage. The real money is in Blackwood National.”
August Montigue closed his eyes.
Victor understood. Serena had used her father’s bank to hide money for powerful clients. Warren created shell companies. Damien moved cash through the clubs. If Victor gained full control of the bank after the marriage, he might discover it.
So Serena planned to control him first.
“How much?” Quinn asked.
August whispered, “Two hundred million.”
Serena’s smile disappeared. “Be quiet, Dad.”
Damien moved without warning. He swung his gun toward Serena.
She pressed the remote.
Nothing happened.
Lily had cut the signal jammer from the surveillance van after Marco found the basement receiver. The bomb squad had already disconnected the fuel igniters.
Serena pressed the button again.
Victor crossed the distance and knocked the remote from her hand. Damien fired toward the ceiling. Glass rained from a chandelier as officers flooded the room.
Serena ran through the service doors.
Damien followed, choosing escape over surrender.
Lily saw them emerge on the loading-dock camera and leave in separate vehicles.
“Serena’s headed east,” she said.
Quinn stared at the second screen. “Damien’s going north.”
Victor watched both roads.
“Serena will go after Ethan,” Lily said.
“No,” Victor replied. “She knows the hospital is guarded.”
Then Rosa, pale beneath a blanket, spoke from the back of the van.
“She knows about the lake house.”
May you like
Victor turned.
Ethan had been moved there an hour earlier for safety.
