Chapter 8 - the standoff in the lobby
Jonathan didn't flinch. He casually stepped in front of Rosa and Camila, his broad frame blocking them completely from view as his four security enforcers drew their sidearms, locking the room in an instant, breathless standoff.
"You're out of options, Sterling," Jonathan said, his deep voice terrifyingly calm. "The contents of this box have already been digitally mirrored to the Federal District Attorney's server."
Sterling's wicked smile faltered slightly. "You're bluffing. The bank server is shielded."
"My security team didn't use the bank server," Jonathan replied, pulling his phone from his pocket. "We used a direct satellite relay the moment the box opened."
Outside the glass viewing room, the wail of police sirens suddenly erupted on Fifth Avenue!
Heavy footsteps echoed down the marble stairs as six federal agents wearing dark tactical jackets burst into the vault corridor, their weapons drawn!
"Federal agents! Put your hands where we can see them!" the lead agent commanded.
Sterling's private guards immediately dropped their weapons onto the marble floor, raising their hands into the air.
Sterling stared at Jonathan in absolute, stunned horror as an agent stepped forward, clicking heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists.
"Victor Sterling," the agent announced, "you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, extortion, and corporate conspiracy."
As the agents dragged Sterling away, Rosa let out a long, shuddering breath, holding Camila tightly against her side. Tears of relief spilled down her face. "It's finally over..."
Jonathan turned to her, a rare, warm smile touching his handsome features. "It's over, Rosa. Your husband's name is cleared."
Suddenly, Jonathan's private phone buzzed in his hand. It was an urgent alert from his estate chief of security.
May you like
Jonathan answered immediately. "Speak."
"Boss!" his chief reported frantically. "Harrison broke out of the gatehouse holding room! He stole a vehicle and he's heading back toward the main mansion!"
