Chapter 3
Chapter 3: The Empire Falls
Chaos erupted inside the cathedral.
Federal agents spread through the room.
Lawyers rushed toward exits.
Security guards froze.
No one knew where to look.
An agent stepped forward.
"Harrison Sterling."
The billionaire stood slowly.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with."
The lead investigator smiled.
"Oh, we do."
He handed Harrison a warrant.
Money laundering.
Fraud.
Witness intimidation.
Corporate extortion.
Tax evasion.
Bribery.
The list seemed endless.
Julian stared in disbelief.
His father wasn't supposed to lose.
Men like Harrison never lost.
Then I revealed the final piece.
A large screen descended behind the altar.
Video footage began playing.
Julian's face appeared.
The room went silent.
There he was.
Threatening Lily.
Mocking her fear.
Admitting he could hurt her because his father would protect him.
Then came the photographs.
The bruises.
The lash marks.
The hospital reports.
The evidence was overwhelming.
Julian's confidence shattered.
"Please..."
His voice trembled.
For the first time in years.
He was the one afraid.
May you like
The same fear Lily had lived with for months.
And nobody rushed to save him.
