Chapter 13 - THE FALL OF THE QUEEN
The heavy steel doors of the elevator chimed, opening to reveal four armed federal agents led by Mr. Harrison.
They flooded the hallway, their boots thudding against the floor.
"Viviana Sloane," the lead agent announced, stepping forward with handcuffs in hand.
"You are under arrest for corporate fraud, conspiracy, and the attempted murder of Damian Hollis."
Viviana’s face twisted into an ugly mask of rage.
She lunged forward toward Grace, her fingers curled like claws.
"You little monster!" Viviana screamed.
Before she could reach the child, Lara intercepted her, tackling Viviana hard against the wall.
The struggle was short. The federal agents swarmed forward, pinning Viviana’s arms behind her back.
The cold click of steel handcuffs echoed sharply through the quiet hospital wing.
As they dragged Viviana down the corridor, she glared back with pure venom.
"You haven't won!" Viviana shrieked over her shoulder. "The board will never let a child control the estate!"
"The board answers to the primary trustee," Mr. Harrison stated calmly, adjusting his suit jacket.
"And Miss Grace Hollis holds the controlling super-majority."
Viviana fell silent as the elevator doors closed, sealing her fate.
Lara let out a long, trembling breath, her legs suddenly feeling weak beneath her.
She turned around and walked slowly back into Room 304.
Damian was propped up slightly on the pillows, watching her with tear-filled, remorseful eyes.
"Lara," Damian whispered, his voice trembling as he reached out a weak hand.
"I am so sorry."
Lara walked to the side of the bed and gently took his hand in hers.
"You don't need to say anything, Mr. Hollis," Lara said softly, a genuine smile breaking through her exhaustion.
Grace walked into the room, standing beside her father’s bed.
Damian looked down at his daughter, pulling her into a tight, protective embrace with his free arm.
"You saved us," Damian murmured, burying his face in Grace's hair.
"We saved each other," Grace corrected quietly.
Lara stood back, watching the broken family begin to heal.
May you like
The nightmare was finally over.
Or so she thought.
