Chapter 6 - THE LOCKDOWN
The heavy oak front doors of the mansion were bolted shut from the inside.
Richard stationed two private security guards at the perimeter to ensure no unauthorized visitors could enter.
The six-foot canvas photograph of Victoria and Daniel still towered above the living room fireplace,
illuminated by the warm amber glow of the wall sconces.
“What should we do with the portrait?” Marcus asked,
gesturing toward the giant image with a slight smirk.
“Leave it right where it is,
” I answered calmly,
pouring myself a glass of sparkling water.
“It serves as a permanent monument to their absolute arrogance.
”
Arthur chuckled softly,
a dry,
humorless sound that held a spark of his former strength.
“You always were far tougher than Daniel ever deserved,
my dear,
” Arthur admitted,
taking a sip of his tea.
“I mistook his obedience for weakness,
” I replied.
“I thought keeping the peace meant swallowing my own ambitions.
”
“I abandoned a top-tier architectural partnership in Chicago because Daniel swore Boston was our forever home.
”
“I gave up designing skyscrapers so he could lecture at a local university about business ethics.
”
“The irony is almost poetic.
”
Chloe walked over to the dining table and picked up a copy of my original architectural portfolio from Chicago.
She flipped through the glossy pages showcasing breathtaking glass towers,
sustainable urban designs,
and award-winning blueprints.
“You designed the Luminary Tower in downtown Chicago,
” Chloe said in awe.
“I remember reading about it in architectural digests years ago.
”
“Why did you ever give that up for my loser brother?”
“Because love makes us compromise in ways we live to regret,
” I answered quietly.
“But compromises built on deceit always collapse under their own weight.
”
My phone buzzed on the coffee table.
It was an unknown number calling from the local holding facility.
I pressed speakerphone so everyone in the room could hear.
“Listen to me,
you ungrateful bitch!” Victoria’s shrill voice screamed through the speaker.
“You think you’ve won,
but I know things about the Sterling estate that will ruin all of you!”
“You know nothing,
Victoria,
” I replied,
my voice calm and steady.
“Except how to pack your designer clothes for a very long stay in federal prison.
May you like
”
“Drop dead!” Victoria shrieked before slamming the line down.
