Chapter 94 - Shadows over Thames
Desperate and facing total financial ruin, Julian retreated to his private fortified estate along the isolated banks of the River Thames.
That same night, dense fog rolled over the river, blanketing the dark waters in gray smoke. Equipped with night-vision gear and silent tactical equipment, Ethan, Marcus, and I breached the outer perimeter of Julian's estate.
"Ethan, take the upper floor," I instructed through the comms. "I'm going for the primary server room."
Ethan navigated the dark corridors, dropping Julian's private guards with swift, silent tactical strikes. He kicked open the doors of the primary study—only to find Charlotte sitting at the desk, holding a heavy silver revolver pointed directly at the door.
Ethan froze, holding his hands up slowly. "Charlotte..."
"I'm sorry, Ethan," Charlotte wept, her hands trembling as she held the gun. "He told me if I didn't play my part, he would kill me. He's had a gun to my head for ten years!"
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"Charlotte, look at me," Ethan said, his voice deep, warm, and steady as he took a slow step toward her. "The nightmare is over. Victoria destroyed Julian's bank today. He has no money left to pay his guards. Put the gun down and let us help you."
Charlotte looked into Ethan's eyes, seeing the same honorable, fierce protector she had known years ago. Slowly, lower and lower, the revolver sank onto the desk.
