Chapter 5 - The Trap is Set
ack at the secure clinic, I sat up in bed, looking at my reflection in a silver hand mirror.
The deep gash on my left cheek had been stitched with micro-surgical precision by Adrian’s
personal plastic surgeon, but a thin, jagged silver scar remained, running from my temple down to
my jawline. It was a physical reminder of the night I was pushed into the abyss. But I didn't want it
removed. I wanted to keep it as a symbol of my survival, a mark of the debt Victor Hale owed me.
“We have finalized the arrangements, Elena,” Adrian said, walking into the room with his lead
counsel. “The Cross Atlantic board has approved the fast settlement of the fifty-million-dollar claim.
We’ve scheduled a formal settlement signing ceremony to take place at the St. Jude Cathedral
tomorrow morning. Victor requested a public memorial service there to 'honor' your memory before
he receives the funds. He wants to show the high-society crowd how devastated he is.”
“The St. Jude Cathedral,” I murmured, a cold chill running down my spine. “That is where we
were married. He wants to sign the check over my fake coffin in the very place he promised to love
me.”
“It is the perfect stage for his destruction,” Adrian said, his steel eyes flashing with a quiet fury.
“Our security teams have already secured the cathedral. Every guest on the list is a member of the
press, federal investigators, or board members of my company. Victor thinks he’s walking into his
coronation. He has no idea he’s walking into his execution.”
The Ice and the Altar 4
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“And Serena?” I asked, my voice holding no mercy.
“She will be right there beside him, basking in the glory of their stolen wealth,” Adrian replied.
“I’ve coordinated with the FBI’s financial crimes division. The moment he signs that paper, he
commits federal insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. We won't just
ruin his name, Elena. We will lock him away in a dark cell where he will never see the sun again. Get
May you like
some rest tonight, my daughter. Tomorrow, you rise from the dead.”
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