Chapter 9
456words
"Miss Blackwood, do you take me for someone without principles?
Everyone expects me to seize control of the Sinclair empire. Instead, I'm burning it to the ground!
I've been gathering evidence of their criminal enterprises for years."
He gathered the documents and strode purposefully toward the police station.
After a moment's hesitation, I hurried after him.
"If you're taking down the Sinclairs, I want in. I am your sister-in-law, after all!"
When it came to destroying Victor Sinclair, I was all in.
Hours later, we emerged from the station.
We watched a convoy of police vehicles racing toward the Sinclair estate, exchanging satisfied smiles.
"The Sinclair mansion will be livelier than a New Year's gala tonight!"
My phone rang unexpectedly.
"Blackwood? Where the hell have you been? Return to work within 72 hours or clear out your desk!"
Reality intrudes—even revenge doesn't pay the bills.
"Problem?"
Nathaniel suggested we retreat to his private villa.
The Sinclair mansion was definitely off-limits now.
I nodded wearily, suddenly exhausted by the day's events.
Dawn brought Nathaniel pounding on my door, insisting I check the news.
What I saw nearly stopped my heart.
The Sinclair businesses were indeed under investigation—but the family had expertly redirected all evidence toward Nathaniel, producing documents that implicated him as the mastermind.
With the evidence chain muddied, the Sinclairs remained free while investigations continued.
"Well, that backfired spectacularly!"
I opened the door, unable to hide my concern for my unexpected ally.
Nathaniel grimaced and showed me his phone screen.
"They've been calling relentlessly. It won't take long for them to track us here."
I scowled at the television where the elder Sinclairs were giving a press conference, their expressions perfectly calibrated to convey parental heartbreak.
"We never imagined our own son could betray us this way. We've always conducted our business with the utmost integrity.
We promise to locate Nathaniel and ensure justice is served."
"Iris, don't think you and that bastard can hide from us.
Tell me where he is, or you'll share his cell when this is over!"
I nearly hurled my phone across the room. Prison? They'd have to catch me first!
"We need to move. Now."
Nathaniel snatched up his keys, gesturing urgently toward the garage.
"Do you have a plan?"
I asked, clutching my phone like a lifeline.
Nathaniel's lips curved into a cold smile as he pointed at the Sinclairs on screen.
"They want to find me so badly? Let's give them exactly what they want!"
Two days later,
Harrison and Eleanor Sinclair received a video showing Nathaniel bound and blindfolded in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse.
