Chapter 7 - The Desperate Gamble at Dawn
Wednesday morning broke with pale, sickly sunlight filtering through the heavy velvet drapes of
the Sterling estate. Clara burst into Edward’s room without knocking, accompanied by two
imposing private security guards hired by Julian. "Pack her bags, Edward. Madison is going away
for a few days—doctor’s orders. A wellness retreat in the mountains," Clara announced coldly,
her eyes devoid of any maternal warmth. Edward remained deceptively calm, wheeling himself
toward her with a faint, enigmatic smile that unnerved her. "You think you’ve won, Clara? You
think a dead man can’t reclaim his kingdom?" he whispered softly. Before Clara could signal the
guards, the heavy oak doors blew open. Standing in the doorway was not security, but two senior
federal investigators accompanied by Captain Reynolds of the Metropolitan Police Department,
holding a warrant for arrest based on financial fraud, attempted murder, and conspiracy. Clara
May you like
stumbled backward, her face turning chalk-white as the iron cuffs clicked around her wrists,
sealing her fate.
