Chapter 97 - The Siege of Northwood
Though Julian was in custody, his remaining rogue mercenaries launched a desperate, revenge-fueled assault on our temporary country retreat in Northwood two nights later.
At 3:00 AM, thermal alarms blared across the perimeter.
"We have six hostiles approaching from the woods!" Marcus shouted over the internal intercom.
Ethan and I immediately moved Noah and Sophie into the reinforced panic room beneath the wine cellar. Ethan kissed my forehead, racking the slide of his tactical rifle.
"Stay with the kids, Victoria," Ethan commanded, his eyes burning with protective fury.
"We stand together, Ethan," I replied firmly, pulling a sidearm from the hidden wall safe. "No more running."
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Side-by-side with Marcus and our loyal security team, Ethan and I defended the estate against the final remnant of Julian's syndicate. Moving through the dark, rain-slicked gardens, we systematically neutralized the intruders in a high-stakes standoff under the flashing storm clouds.
When the final mercenary surrendered on the muddy lawn, silence fell over the countryside once more. The last shadow of the Sterling dynasty had officially been extinguished.
