Chapter 6 - The Justice of IsabellaThe heavy iron gates of the estate swung open as four federal sedans and two state police squad cars pulled up the driveway with their red and blue emergency lights flashing bright against the rain.
Leading them was Senior Auditor Marcus Vance, accompanied by six uniformed federal marshals.
Three days earlier, when Dante had uncovered the adoption records, he hadn't just secured my safety—he had transmitted the unredacted Sterling Global financial ledgers and Isabella’s private recorded affidavits directly to the Department of Justice.
Richard Sterling sat on his knees on the ruined marble floor of the foyer, clutching his bleeding wrist, weeping tears of pure, pathetic terror as federal marshals slapped heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists.
"Richard Sterling," Agent Vance announced cleanly, holding open a thick white legal binder. "You are under arrest for federal wire fraud, grand embezzlement, human trafficking, and the premeditated murder of Isabella Vance."
Sterling looked up frantically, his bloodshot eyes catching my face as I walked down the grand marble staircase, carrying little Leo in my arms, flanked by Julianne.
When Sterling saw me—standing tall beside Dante Vance, wearing an immaculate silk cardigan, holding my head high, carrying Isabella's eyes and my own unbroken spirit—he let out a choked, sobbing shriek of pure, unadulterated ruin.
"Isabella...?" Sterling whimpered pathetically. "No... it can't be..."
"Her name is Elina Valdez, Sterling," Dante corrected deadpan, stepping beside me, wrapping his broad arm securely around my waist. "And she just inherited your entire corporate empire."
Sterling was dragged out through the front doors in chains, his screams fading into the rainy night as the federal transport sedans drove away.
I looked down at nine-month-old Leo, who was happily cooing in my arms, reaching his tiny hand up to grab Dante's finger.
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Dante looked down at us—his gray eyes filled with a deep, weightless peace that I had never seen before.
"It's over, Elina," Dante whispered softly, pulling me and Leo tight against his chest. "Your sister's memory is honored. You are safe."
