Chapter 8
The rain began to pour,
streaking the heavy glass windows of the maximum-security prison with long,
watery lines.
Marcus stood in the visitor’s room,
separated from the inmate by a thick sheet of plexiglass.
Daniel Cross sat opposite him,
dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit,
looking older and completely defeated.
The arrogance that had once defined the prominent doctor was completely gone,
replaced by a desperate,
haunted look.
"You didn't have to come here,"
Daniel said,
his voice muffled slightly by the intercom system.
"I came to ensure you understand your position,"
Marcus replied,
his voice cutting through the speaker with chilling precision.
"My position is that I am ruined,"
Daniel scoffed,
leaning forward,
his hands trembling slightly.
"Your position is whatever I allow it to be,"
Marcus countered,
his eyes locking onto Daniel's.
"If you testify completely,
if you give the prosecution every detail of Isabella’s planning,
I will ensure your family keeps their house."
Daniel swallowed hard,
the mention of his family striking a nerve.
"And if I don't?"
he whispered,
already knowing the answer.
"If you hesitate,
if you try to protect her in any way,
I will personally ensure your assets are seized,
your name is thoroughly erased,
and you spend the rest of your life in the worst facility this country has to offer."
The threat was delivered without heat,
making it infinitely more terrifying to the man listening.
Daniel closed his eyes,
slumping back into his chair,
nodding his head in total submission.
"I will tell them everything,"
he promised,
his voice barely audible.
"Every meeting,
every wire transfer,
everything she asked me to do."
"Good,"
Marcus said,
standing up and adjusting his tailored coat.
"Don't make me come back here."
He turned his back on the broken man,
walking out into the rain without looking back once.
He had no sympathy for those who allowed greed to dictate their morality.
They had targeted an innocent woman,
a mother,
and for that,
there could be no forgiveness,
no leniency.
As his driver navigated through the dark,
wet streets back toward the hospital,
Marcus felt a sense of closure approaching.
The loose ends were being tied,
the enemies were being dismantled,
and the path was clearing for a peaceful future.
He checked his phone,
seeing a text message from Dr. Cole indicating that Khloe’s discharge papers were being prepared.
She was finally going home,
away from the smell of antiseptics,
away from the reminders of her near-fatal night.
May you like
He wanted the mansion to be perfect for her arrival,
a true sanctuary where she could heal in peace and comfort.
