Chapter 15 - The Counterattack
Lucas announced a private reconciliation gala at Sterling Mansion.
The rumor was carefully planted:
Evelyn’s original ledger had been found.
Arthur took the bait.
So did Martin.
They entered separately, believing each could control the other.
Hidden microphones captured everything.
Martin accused Arthur of abandoning him.
Arthur accused Martin of becoming reckless.
Then Martin said Evelyn’s name.
Arthur exploded.
“You were supposed to frighten her, not kill her!”
Martin shouted back:
“She was going to the FBI!”
Silence swallowed the room.
Arthur looked toward the chandelier.
Tiny cameras stared back.
His face collapsed.
Security doors locked.
Federal agents entered from every side.
Martin ran toward the ballroom exit.
Nora stepped into his path.
He froze.
For one strange second, his face filled with terror.
He was not seeing Nora.
He was seeing Evelyn.
That hesitation was enough.
Agents tackled him.
Arthur was arrested seconds later.
Harrison agreed to testify.
Camille surrendered her secret accounts.
Everyone thought the Sterling nightmare was finally ending.
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Then, at 2:13 the next morning, flames erupted from the winter room.
Someone was still trying to burn Evelyn’s truth.
