Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 - THE STORM APPROACHES
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By five in the evening the following day, a massive autumn storm had rolled over the valley.
Thunder rumbled across the dark hills, and thick sheets of rain slammed against the high glass windows of the Sterling estate. The sky was black as pitch, illuminated only by jagged flashes of blue lightning.
Elena stood in the central security hub of the estate, wearing a crisp dark suit. Her cheek was still bruised, but her posture was rigid and commanding.
Four elite security officers stood before her.
"The perimeter sensors are active," the security captain reported. "We have double-manned the main gate and reinforced the pool patio."
"Check the backup generator," Elena commanded, her voice firm. "Julian Vance didn't bail Victoria out just to sit quietly in a hotel room. He’s going to strike while the storm covers his tracks."
"Yes, ma'am," the captain nodded, stepping out.
Marcus walked into the room holding a cup of untouched coffee. He looked exhausted, shadows heavy under his eyes. He stayed ten feet away from Elena, respecting her boundary.
"The lawyers drafted the guardianship papers," Marcus said quietly, setting a folder on the desk. "It's signed. You have full legal authority over my son's safety."
"Good," Elena replied without looking at him.
Suddenly, a loud crack of thunder shook the entire mansion.
Simultaneously, every light in the house flickered violently—once, twice—and then died completely.
The emergency red warning lights flared on, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
Then, the security monitors on the wall went static.
"Report!" Elena yelled into her radio. "Captain, what happened to the power?"
Static answered her.
Then a frantic voice broke through the radio: "They cut the main lines! They're inside the gates! They’re—"
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A sharp gunshot echoed through the speaker, followed by dead silence.
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