Part 11
Ethan moved cautiously down the dark hallway,
the beam of his flashlight cutting through the fog.
He reached the basement door,
turning the handle slowly to avoid making any noise.
The wooden stairs creaked slightly under his weight as he descended into the cold air.
He reached the main electrical panel,
opening the metal door with a sharp click.
Every single switch had been manually flipped down to the off position,
deliberately cut.
This was not a random power outage caused by the storm or the lake fog.
Someone had deliberately entered their property and cut the power from the outside box.
Ethan's heart pounded furiously against his ribs as he realized the immediate danger.
He quickly flipped the main switch back up,
restoring power to the house instantly.
The lights upstairs flickered back on,
casting a warm glow through the basement floorboards.
Suddenly,
a loud crash echoed from the main living room directly above his head.
It was the distinct sound of glass shattering,
followed by a sharp scream from Lena.
Ethan threw his flashlight aside and sprinted up the stairs,
his adrenaline surging wildly.
He burst into the living room,
his eyes widening at the chaotic scene before him.
The large glass window facing the lake had been completely smashed inwards by a heavy rock.
Two men wearing dark clothes and masks stood in the center of the room,
holding weapons.
One of them had gripped Lena by her arm,
preventing her from escaping up the staircase.
Ava was on the floor near the couch,
having fallen while trying to help her friend.
Standing near the shattered window was Julian Vance,
his face twisted in a manic grin.
He no longer looked like the polished corporate fixer in a neat tailored suit.
His clothes were disheveled,
his hair messy,
and his eyes wild with desperate fury.
"Did you really think you could ruin me and walk away,
Ethan?"
Julian snarled.
He held a heavy iron crowbar in his right hand,
tapping it against the floorboards.
"You stripped my assets,
destroyed my reputation,
and took my freedom,"
he screamed.
"I have nothing left to lose now,
nothing at all."
Ethan stepped between Julian and where Ava lay on the floor,
his posture defensive.
"Let them go,
Vance,"
Ethan said,
trying to keep his voice calm to de-escalate the situation.
"Your fight is with me,
not with them."
"My fight is with your entire family,"
Julian hissed,
taking a step closer.
"Margaret paid me to ensure your ruin,
and I always fulfill my contracts."
May you like
"If I am going to prison,
I am going to make sure you never find happiness here."
