Chapter 13 - THE SON WHO WANTED THE EMPIRE Julian didn't want forgiveness.
He wanted the Caldwell empire.
The offshore accounts.
The properties.
The hidden money.
He had spent his entire life believing he deserved what his family owned.
Caroline's children were being held in a vehicle outside.
Julian wanted the encryption key.
I stalled him.
Federal agents were tracking the signal.
Then Eleanor entered.
Mother and son stared at each other.
“You were never going to give me anything,” Julian said.
Eleanor smiled.
“You were always the weakest child.”
“You used me.”
“I used everyone.”
Charles entered behind her.
For the first time, he looked defeated.
“I was obedient.”
Eleanor looked at him.
“That is worse.”
Gunfire erupted.
Julian was shot.
Charles collapsed.
Federal agents stormed the warehouse.
Eleanor was arrested.
The children were rescued.
But the Black Ledger was still missing.
Charles offered to testify.
In exchange, he wanted protection.
He also wanted to see Lydia.
When she finally stood before him, Charles could barely meet her eyes.
“I helped them take Grace.”
Lydia's voice was cold.
“You helped them take seven years from me.”
Charles lowered his head.
“I know.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
May you like
“You don't.”
For the first time, the man who had spent decades protecting the Caldwell name began to cry.
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