Chapter 264
CMWMBB 65
AARON
The news broke on a Tuesday morning.
Not as a whisper.
Not as speculation.
But as a headline.
ANDREA MARLOWE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF KIDNAPPING, CONSPIRACY, AND UNLAWFUL SURVEILLANCE.
By noon, every major outlet had picked it up. By evening, analysts were dissecting it like it was a corporate scandal instead of the unraveling of something far uglier.
I stood in my office, the television muted, watching her face flash across the screen.
Polished mugshot.
Hair pulled back.
Chin lifted.
Defiant.
Even in custody, she looked like she believed this was temporary.
Venus sat on the couch across the room, silent, Iris curled against her side. The kids didn’t understand the full weight of what was happening, and I intended to keep it that way for as long as possible.
Connor stepped into the doorway quietly.
“It’s everywhere,” he said. “The board’s already calling p>
“They’ll manage,” I replied.
He studied me for a moment. “You going p>
“Yes p>
Venus looked up at that.
“To see her?” she asked.
“Yes p>
Her expression didn’t shift into fear. Or worry.
Just something steady.
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“Be careful,” she said.
I nodded once.
Not because I needed permission but because I understood what she meant.
+25 Bonus
The detention center smelled like disinfectant and metal.
Cold.
Temporary in design but permanent in effect.
They led me down a narrow corridor, footsteps echoing against concrete walls.
I didn’t rush.
I didn’t hesitate either.
When they opened the visitation room door, she was already there.
Andrea sat at the metal table, hands folded loosely in front of her.
No cuffs.
She looked up when I stepped inside.
Hatred flickered across her face instantly.
Not subtle.
Not restrained.
Pure.
“I was wondering when you’d show up,” she said calmly.
I pulled out the chair opposite her and sat.
“No lawyers?” she added.
“I’m not here for strategy p>
Her lips curved faintly.
“That’s new p>
Silence settled between us.
The glass panel behind her reflected fluorescent light against the side of her face, casting sharp angles.
“You made a mistake,” I said finally,
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Her eyes narrowed.
“The worst decision you ever made,” I continued evenly, “was coming for my family p>
A muscle ticked in her jaw.
“You think this is over?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t care how long it takes,” I said. “I will dismantle every person who stood beside you in this p>
She let out a low, humorless laugh.
“There it is,” she murmured. “The monster everyone whispers about p>
I didn’t react.
“I never doubted how evil you could be,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “You came after my family first p>
“Gerald came after mine,” I replied.
“Gerald made a mistake,” she snapped. “One wrong fucking call p>
“One?” I echoed.
She stiffened.
“Do you know what that investigation did to us?” she demanded. “Do you know what it did to my mother? To my father? You destroyed everything p>
“I exposed everything p>
“You could have ended it with him,” she insisted. “You could have buried it quietly. You chose to scorch
the earth p>
“And you chose to kidnap my daughter p>
Her breathing sharpened.
“You started this war,” she said.
“No,” I corrected evenly. “Your brother did p>
Silence.
Heavy.
“She wasn’t his first victim,” I said quietly,
Andrea’s eyes flickered.
“And you know it p>
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She didn’t respond.
“There were others,” I continued. “Women your family paid off. Threatened. Silenced p>
Her jaw tightened.
“You don’t get to lecture me about moral compass,” I said. “Your family covered for him for
She looked away for a fraction of a second.
Then back.
“That’s not how it happened,” she said.
“It is exactly how it happened p>
Her composure cracked just slightly.
“He made mistakes,” she said.
“He committed crimes p>
“You destroyed our name p>
“Your name was already rotten p>
Her nostrils flared.
“You think you’re clean?” she demanded. “You think you don’t have blood on your hands p>
I didn’t blink.
“I do what I have to p>
“And you justify it,” she sneered.
“Yes p>
Silence again.
years p>
“You’ve amassed too many enemies, Aaron Sinclair,” she said softly. “You won’t see all of them coming. I won’t be the last p>
I leaned back slightly.
Ande
“You don’t get to the top without enemies, Andrea Marlowe,” I replied. “Let them come p>
She stared at me.
Unblinking.
“I’ll be ready p>
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The room felt smaller.
I stood.
The chair legs scraped against concrete.
“Enjoy your stay,” I said calmly.
Her lips curled.
“Temporary,” she replied.
“At least your brother won’t complain about you missing visitation,” I added.
That landed.
Her expression hardened completely.
“You’re cruel,” she said quietly.
“I’m precise p>
I didn’t wait for her response.
I walked out.
Outside, the air felt heavier.
Colder, despite the sun.
Connor was leaning against the car when I stepped out.
“How’d it go?” he asked.
“She hasn’t changed p>
He nodded once.
“She won’t p>
“No p>
I looked back at the building once.
Then away.
Legal fallout moved quickly after and the charges were stacked.
Rick had already flipped.
Witness cooperation.
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He would testify.
So would two of Andrea’s financial intermediaries.
And Gabby.
Gabby was the complicated piece.
She sat in a holding room two floors above Andrea.
Not in cuffs, not fully free either.
Witness protection was on the table.
So was obstruction.
Her involvement was undeniable.
So was her choice to turn.
I met with the prosecutor that afternoon.
“She saved the child,” he said. “That carries weight p>
“She also aided the crime,” I replied.
He nodded.
“We’re considering a conditional deal. Reduced charges in exchange for testimony p>
I considered that.
“She’ll need protection,” I said.
“She’ll get it p>
“And she doesn’t contact my family without clearance p>
“Understood p>
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.