Chapter 16 - The Twin Mothers
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Before Lena could draw her weapon, the heavy wooden doors of the church were kicked open once again.
Dr. Andrew Vaughn stepped through the entrance, accompanied by Senator Victor Collins and four heavily armed private security guards wearing the crest of Collins’s political firm.
"Good evening, everyone," Senator Collins said smoothly, adjusting his gold silk tie as he walked down the center aisle. He looked like the picture of elder statesman nobility, but his eyes were as cold as a reptile's. "It seems we've all gathered for a family reunion."
Andrew walked beside him, holding a small silver remote detonator in his right hand. His eyes locked onto me, flashing with dark, sadistic pleasure.
"Hello, Ava," Andrew purred. "You look tired, darling. You really shouldn't have run away from home."
Ethan didn't hesitate. He stepped directly between Andrew’s line of sight and me, his jaw clenched tightly. "If you touch her again, Vaughn, I will kill you with my bare hands before your guards can pull the trigger."
Andrew chuckled. "Always the knight in shining armor, Ethan. But you're out of moves. We have the hospital files, we have the police department in our pocket, and in five minutes, Senator Collins will announce that you murdered your twin brother Lucas in a tragic dispute over the family estate."
"Where is Lucas?" I called out from behind Ethan.
Senator Collins smiled thinly. "Lucas served his purpose. He drew you out of hiding, Ava. He was always so easy to manipulate—so desperate for a father's love that he believed anything I told him."
My heart sank. Lucas hadn't been the mastermind. He had been another victim of Collins’s endless web of deceit.
"Give us the silver key, Ethan," Senator Collins commanded, reaching out his hand. "And perhaps I'll let your assistant live to see tomorrow."
Ethan looked at me over his shoulder. The unspoken message passed between us in a fraction of a second.
He didn't trust them. Neither did I.
May you like
Ethan reached into his pocket, pulled out the tiny silver key, and held it up in the candlelight.
"You want the key to the Carter empire, Senator?" Ethan asked coolly. "Come and take it."
