2025-12-16 13:17:43
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter 31
"He looks so small."Vera stood at the door of Richard Sterling's hospital room, staring at her father hooked up to machines, his face gray and drawn. Chris stood behind her, giving her support but letting her make the decision to enter."Do you want me to come with you?" Chris asked quietly."No," Vera said. "I need to do this alone. But wait for me?""Always," Chris promised.Vera walked into the room. Richard's eyes opened when he heard footsteps. "Vera? Is that you?""It's me, Dad," Vera said, pulling a chair close to the bed. "Mom said you wanted to see me.""I did. I do." Richard's voice was weak, each word an effort. "I need to say things. While I still can.""Dad, don't talk like that. You're going to be fine.""We both know that's not true," Richard said. "The doctors were very clear. My heart is damaged. Severely. Even if I survive the night, I won't survive the month."Vera felt tears prick her eyes despite her anger at him. "Why, Dad? Why did you do it? Why did you frame C
Chapter 30
"Your father wants to see you."William's voice on the phone was gentle but urgent. Chris had just brought Vera home from the hospital to their apartment, wanting the familiarity of their small space rather than the luxury of the penthouse."Now?" Chris asked, glancing at Vera who was curled up on the couch with tea."He says it's important. He's asking for both of you."Chris looked at Vera. She nodded immediately. "Let's go."Twenty minutes later, they walked into David Winchester's penthouse. Chris was shocked by how much his father had declined in just a few days. David sat in his chair by the window, an oxygen mask nearby, his skin almost translucent."Dad," Chris said, hurrying to his side. "Should you be out of bed?""I wanted to see the city one more time," David said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I wanted to see you both. Together."Vera sat on the ottoman near David's chair, taking his frail hand in hers. "We're here.""I heard about Hunter Kane," David said. "Abou
Chapter 29
"Get me back to the estate. Now!" Chris was already running to the helicopter before he finished speaking. William and two FBI agents followed. "Mr. Winchester, wait," the FBI commander called. "We need to coordinate—" "My wife is in danger!" Chris shouted back. "Coordinate from the air!" The helicopter lifted off with a roar. Chris tried calling the estate security team. No answer. He tried Vera's phone. No answer. He tried the security chief. No answer. "How long?" Chris demanded of the pilot. "Twenty five minutes at top speed, sir." "Make it fifteen." "Sir, I can't—" "Make it fifteen or I'll fly this thing myself," Chris growled. The pilot nodded and pushed the helicopter faster. William was on the phone coordinating with law enforcement. "State police are en route to the estate. ETA ten minutes. Local sheriff is five minutes out." "Not fast enough," Chris said, staring at his phone, willing it to ring with news that Vera was safe. The FBI agent in the helicopter spoke
Chapter 28
"He's bluffing."William tried to sound confident, but Chris could hear the uncertainty in his voice. They were back at Chris's office, security doubled, reviewing footage of the estate where Vera was staying."How do you know?" Chris demanded, watching the live security feeds showing Vera in the estate's library, reading by the fireplace."Because our security is airtight," William said. "The estate is guarded by fifteen trained professionals. There's a ten mile radius of surveillance. Hunter Kane couldn't get within five miles without us knowing.""He got close enough to send that text," Chris pointed out."He's trying to get in your head," William insisted. "Psychological warfare. He wants you scared, distracted, making mistakes."Chris's phone rang. The head of Vera's security detail."Mr. Winchester, everything is secure here. Mrs. Winchester is safe. We've increased patrols and added drone surveillance. If anyone approaches, we'll know.""Thank you," Chris said, somewhat reassur
Chapter 27
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming on such short notice."Chris stood at the podium the next morning, looking calm despite having slept only two hours. The press room was packed again, journalists eager for more drama after yesterday's bombshell revelation."I'm here to address the threats made against my wife and myself by Hunter Kane," Chris began. "Last night, Mr. Kane called me directly and promised to harm my wife. He withdrew fifty million dollars in cash and disappeared. Law enforcement is actively searching for him, but I want to make something very clear."He leaned into the microphone, his voice hard."Hunter Kane, if you're watching this, know that I'm not hiding. I'm not running. I'm right here in the city, going about my business as usual. If you want to threaten someone, threaten me. Come after me. Leave my wife out of this. Unless you're too much of a coward to face me directly."The room erupted with questions. Chris ignored them and continued."I'm offering a
Chapter 26
"He made bail."William delivered the news four hours later as Chris stood in his father's penthouse, looking out at the city. Vera was resting in one of the bedrooms, exhausted from the day's events. David sat in his chair, hooked up to oxygen, looking frailer than ever."How much?" Chris asked."Five million. His lawyer had it ready within an hour. He walked out of the police station twenty minutes ago.""Of course he did," Chris said bitterly. "Money buys freedom.""Not always," David said weakly from his chair. "Sometimes it just buys time. Time to make mistakes.""What do you mean?" Chris asked."Hunter Kane is arrogant," David explained. "He posted that threatening video because he thinks he's untouchable. Men like that always overreach. They get bold, they get careless, and they give you the ammunition to destroy them.""I already have ammunition," Chris said. "William has compiled evidence of multiple federal crimes. Racketeering, money laundering, connections to organized cri
You may also like
You Do Not Deserve Me
Keep It Flowing96.7K viewsRise From Prison: Married To A Beautiful CEO
Rex Magnus154.3K viewsThe rejected Son-in-law
Hunni96.0K viewsTHE SECRET HEIR AND HIS SECRET POWER
Wednesday Adaire166.6K viewsThe Swapped Ceo
Peace818 viewsThe Godly Supreme
Victoria T.O4.2K viewsAscension Of The Almighty General
Ace Wolf2.1K viewsTHE ANOMALY: RISE OF A BILLIONAIRE
Wednesday Adaire262 views