Chapter 14 - The Return
Cassandra returned to the DeLuca estate under heavy security.
The hospital had discharged her.
She looked weak.
But when she saw Julian, she smiled.
“You came back.”
“Yes.”
She touched his face.
“I thought I lost you.”
Julian held her hand.
“You almost did.”
Cassandra looked toward the hallway.
“Where is Nora?”
“Gone.”
“And the child?”
“Gone too.”
Her smile deepened.
“You finally chose.”
Julian nodded.
“I did.”
She kissed him.
Then whispered,
“You always were easier to control when you thought you were saving someone.”
Julian pulled back.
Cassandra realized too late that he had heard her.
Her face changed.
He smiled.
“Tell me everything.”
She laughed softly.
“You already know.”
“No.”
He stepped closer.
“I know enough.”
Cassandra’s expression hardened.
“You think you can destroy me?”
“I think you destroyed yourself.”
Security officers entered.
Not Julian’s men.
Federal agents.
Cassandra froze.
Behind them stood an attorney carrying boxes of evidence.
Bank records.
Audio recordings.
Photographs.
Witness statements.
Thomas’s testimony had been recorded before his death.
Cassandra looked at Julian.
“You wouldn't.”
“You poisoned yourself.”
“I did not.”
“You ordered the charity transfers.”
“No.”
“You forged my signature.”
Her silence betrayed her.
Julian stared at her.
“You used my family.”
Cassandra smiled.
“I used what your family built.”
Then she reached into her purse.
May you like
A gun appeared.
---
