Chapter 8 - The Midnight PanicThe news of Adrian’s arrest hit the front pages of every financial and news outlet in New York by midnight. Cole Enterprises CEO's Son Arrested at High-Society Gala: Federal Charges of Exploitation and Fraud.
I stood on the balcony of my apartment, watching the rain slide down the glass, a warm mug of tea in my hands. The city skyline was bright and beautiful, reflecting a peace I hadn't felt in years.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was an restricted number, but I answered anyway.
"Evelyn," a raspy, broken voice whispered through the line. It was Adrian, calling from the detention facility.
"Adrian," I said, my voice completely flat.
"Please... you have to help me," he begged, his voice shaking, the confident, arrogant executive completely gone. "The bail is set at one million dollars. My father’s accounts are frozen because of the federal investigation. No one will answer my calls. Evelyn, please. I’m sorry. I was stupid. I was panicked. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll pay Rosa whatever she wants. Just get me out of here."
"You should have thought about the price of your choices before you stood above Rosa, Adrian," I said, my voice cold as ice. "You told her that her child was worth less than your promotion. Now, your promotion is gone, your company is bankrupt, and your family's name is a synonym for disgrace. You have nothing left."
"I loved you, Evelyn!" he cried out, a pathetic, desperate attempt to manipulate me one last time.
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"You loved the idea of owning me, Adrian," I replied, my voice holding a calm, absolute certainty. "But I belong only to myself. And Rosa belongs to a future where men like you can never hurt her again. Enjoy the cell."
I pressed the red button, cutting off his frantic, weeping voice, and slid the phone into my pocket. The monster had been caged, and the ledger was finally balanced.
