The computer screen began to cycle through a series of automated transfers.

Green lines of text scrolled rapidly down the monitor.

Marcus’s empire, built on lies, theft, and my own stolen inheritance, was dissolving in seconds.

“You’re a monster,” Marcus hissed.

“I am a man who keeps his word,” Dante said.

He ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk.

The room fell silent again, save for the steady patter of rain against the windowpane.

Vanessa slumped into a chair, her face pale and hollow.

“What happens to me?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

“You wait here for the police,” Dante said.

He turned to me, his expression softening just a fraction.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“I am,” I said, though my legs felt like lead.

“We need to leave,” Dante said, reaching out to take my hand. “The authorities will be here in ten minutes.”

“And Marcus?” I asked.

“He has nowhere left to run,” Dante said. “His creditors are already hunting him.”

We walked out of the office and down the dark hallway.

The air smelled of ozone and wet plaster.