Chapter 10
The flashing red emergency lights finally ceased, replaced by the harsh, steady white fluorescent lighting as the hospital's lockdown was overridden by the arriving police force. The room was a disaster zone of broken glass, overturned medical equipment, and the heavy, metallic smell of discharged gunpowder.
Two uniformed police officers hauled Richard Vance to his feet. His expensive charcoal suit was ruined, covered in dust and his own blood. The arrogant, untouchable billionaire looked like a broken, pathetic old man in the heavy steel handcuffs.
"You have the right to remain silent," one of the officers began reciting the Miranda rights.
Daniel and Jessica were being escorted out by another pair of officers, held for questioning as accomplices. Jessica was still sobbing hysterically, while Daniel walked in silent, stunned resignation, finally free from his father’s shadow, even if it meant a prison cell.
Maya sat on the edge of her hospital bed, clutching all three of her babies in her arms. Brenda the nurse stood beside her, a protective hand resting on Maya’s shoulder.
As the officers marched Richard toward the door, he stopped. He looked back at Maya. His face was bruised, but the cold, sinister smile had returned to his lips. It was a look of pure, unadulterated malice.
"You think this is a happy ending, Maya?" Richard rasped, spitting a glob of blood onto the floor.
"Take him away," Maya said coldly, refusing to let him see her tremble.
"I told you," Richard laughed, a dark, wheezing sound. "The Sokolovs do not care that I am in handcuffs. They only care about the debt. And Thomas signed the paperwork naming your children as collateral."
"Thomas is a coward who ran away," Maya retorted. "The police will protect us."
"The police?" Richard sneered. "The police cannot protect you from them. You didn't just save your babies today, Maya. You inherited the debt. You are the sole guarantor now."
The police officers yanked roughly on his arms, dragging him out into the hallway. "Keep walking, buddy," the officer commanded.
Richard’s laughter echoed down the corridor, fading slowly into the distance.
Maya took a deep, shaky breath, looking down at her three perfect, innocent children. She kissed each of their foreheads, vowing to fight the entire world to keep them safe.
"It's over, Maya," Brenda said softly, trying to offer comfort. "He's just trying to scare you."
"Is he?" Maya asked, looking up at the shattered window.
Suddenly, a loud, heavy knock echoed from the heavy mahogany door. The room fell silent again. The police had already left. The security guards were downstairs.
The door slowly creaked open. Standing in the doorway was a towering, broad-shouldered man in a heavy black overcoat. He had cold, dead gray eyes and fair, pale skin. He looked at Maya, and then at the three babies in her arms.
He didn't wear a hospital badge. He didn't wear a police uniform.
May you like
The man reached into his overcoat and pulled out a single, black envelope bearing a heavy, red wax seal—the exact same seal that had been on Richard's forged documents.
"Maya Vance?" the man asked, his American accent laced with something terrifying and hollow. "Mr. Sokolov sends his regards. It is time to discuss your husband's outstanding balance."
