Downstairs, the heavy sirens began to wail in the long driveway of the estate, growing louder with every passing second.
Sadie stayed on her knees, her shoulders trembling, unable to process the whirlwind of terror and salvation that had just swept through her life.
Roman walked around the massive desk, stopping beside her, and offered his hand.
Roman: Stand up, Sadie. You don't kneel on this floor anymore.
Sadie looked up at his outstretched palm, hesitant, before placing her small, calloused fingers into his grasp.
He lifted her up effortlessly, steadying her as she wiped her tear-streaked face with her apron.
Sadie: Mr. Sterling... I can never thank you enough. You saved my little brother's life.
Roman: You don't owe me anything. You endured an assault in my house to protect that kid.
Victoria stood up abruptly, smoothing down her designer blouse with shaking hands, trying to muster a shred of dignity.
Victoria: You will regret this, Roman. When the press gets hold of this, your stock price will plummet!
Roman: Let them write whatever they want. The headline will read: Vance Heiress Arrested For Extortion And Kidnapping.
The double doors of the study burst open, revealing two uniformed police officers accompanied by Detective Reynolds.
Detective Reynolds: Mr. Sterling. We received your dispatch call regarding the breach and the hostage situation.
Roman: Thank you for your swift response, Detective. Miss Vance was just explaining her role in the operation.
Victoria raised her chin, her eyes flashing with cold arrogance as she stepped forward.
Victoria: Detective, this is a massive misunderstanding. This maid stole private jewelry from my suite, and I was merely interrogating her!
Detective Reynolds: That's funny, Miss Vance, because your brother just gave a full confession at the warehouse twenty minutes ago.
Victoria's haughty expression shattered instantly, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
Victoria: Julian... confessed?
Detective Reynolds: He gave us your voice memos, your wire transfers, and the floor plan of this estate that you drew for him last night.
Sadie gasped, clutching her hands against her chest as the full truth became glaringly clear.
Sadie: You drew a map for them? You told them where Toby gets off the school bus?!
Victoria: Shut up, you little brat! I did what I had to do to save my inheritance!
Detective Reynolds: Victoria Vance, turn around and place your hands behind your back.
One of the uniformed officers stepped forward, unhooking a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his belt.
Victoria: Don't touch me! Do you know who my father is?! I demand to speak to my family attorney!
The metal clicked shut around her wrists with a sharp, unforgiving snap.
Detective Reynolds: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Victoria struggled against the officer's grip, glaring at Roman with pure venom in her eyes.
Victoria: You betrayed me, Roman! You chose a common maid over me!
Roman: I chose human decency over a criminal parasite. Escort her off my property, Detective.
The officers pulled Victoria through the study doors, her designer heels skidding against the floor as she screamed curses all the way down the hall.
When the front doors finally slammed shut downstairs, the house fell into an extraordinary, ringing silence.
Sadie leaned against the bookshelf, the adrenaline fading fast, leaving her body exhausted and hollow.
Sadie: What happens now, Mr. Sterling?
Roman: Now, we go bring your brother home.
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