CHAPTER 21
The computer screens across the room flashed red,
displaying a single word in bold white letters:
"TERMINATED."
The blue server lights went completely dark,
the low hum of the cooling fans dying out.
The global financial network of Julian Vance,
had ceased to exist in an instant.
The guards looked around in absolute shock,
realizing their weapons no longer had power.
Their communication earpieces sputtered with static,
as the entire facility lost its connection.
"It's over,"
I said,
standing over the fallen guard,
breathing heavily.
"Your boss has nothing left to pay you with."
The guards looked at each other,
then dropped their weapons and fled into the dark.
They were mercenaries,
and mercenaries do not fight for free.
Liam rushed over to me,
pulling me into a tight,
protective embrace.
"You did it,
Emily,"
he whispered,
his heart pounding against my chest.
"We actually did it."
Daniel packed up his equipment,
a massive grin stretching across his face.
"Vanguard Holdings' stock is crashing right now,"
he reported,
looking at his satellite phone.
"The federal authorities in New York,
are already raiding his American offices."
We walked out of the underground facility,
emerging into the crisp morning light of the Alps.
The air felt incredibly fresh,
the scent of snow and pine filling my lungs.
But we knew our job was only half finished,
as the head of the snake was still free.
Julian Vance was a desperate man now,
and a desperate man is twice as dangerous.
We boarded the flight back to New York,
ready to deliver the final blow.
During the flight,
I opened my father's leather journal again.
I turned to the final page,
where a small keyhole was hidden in the binding.
I inserted the small key we found in the bank,
and the hidden compartment popped open.
Inside lay a list of names and signatures,
the definitive proof of Vance's political corruption.
With this document,
he could never escape justice through legal loopholes.
"We have everything we need,"
I told Natalie,
handing her the crucial list.
"Coordinate with the Department of Justice immediately."
"Let's ensure that when we land,
there is nowhere left for him to hide."
As the skyline of New York appeared in the distance,
I felt a profound sense of purpose.
May you like
The battle that began with my father's death,
was finally coming to its ultimate conclusion.
