Chapter 19: Dressed to Kill
The Sterling Estate in the Hamptons blazed with light against the dark, ocean sky. The engagement party was a mask of opulence. Waiters carried trays of crystal champagne flutes, a string quartet played softly in the grand foyer, and the elite of New York society gossiped beneath massive crystal chandeliers.
But beneath the surface, the estate was a fortress waiting for a siege.
Upstairs in the master suite, Maya stared at herself in the full-length mirror. She was wearing a breathtaking gown of midnight-blue silk. It was elegant, powerful, and completely unrestrictive. Hidden beneath the silk bodice was a custom, lightweight Kevlar vest Julian had ruthlessly insisted she wear.
Eleanor stood behind her, clasping the heavy jade and diamond necklace around Maya’s neck.
"You look like a queen, Arabella," Eleanor whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I have never been so proud of anyone in my life."
"Are you ready for this, Mother?" Maya asked softly, meeting Eleanor’s gaze in the mirror. "Tonight, the world finds out your husband is alive. The press will be merciless."
"Let them talk," Eleanor said dismissively, lifting her chin. "I am going to put a bullet in the ghost that haunted my life, and then I am going to watch my daughter marry the man she loves. The press can print whatever they like."
A knock on the door signaled Julian's arrival. He stepped in, wearing a sharp black tuxedo, looking lethal and devastatingly handsome. He wore an earpiece, communicating silently with the FBI agents disguised as waitstaff downstairs.
"Agent Vance is in position," Julian reported, his eyes sweeping over Maya in awe. He walked over and kissed her forehead. "Marcus has the perimeter locked. If Richard tries to breach the grounds, the thermal cameras will catch him."
"He won't come from the grounds," Maya said, a sudden realization hitting her. "He knows we expect a breach. He’s too smart for that."
Julian frowned. "What do you mean? Every guest was vetted at the gate."
"He said he chose you, Julian," Maya looked at him, her heart pounding. "He watched you grow up. He watched Eleanor. He’s arrogant. He doesn't want to just sneak in and take a piece of paper; he wants to humiliate us. He wants to prove he is the true master of this family."
Suddenly, the lights in the master suite flickered.
Julian’s hand immediately went to the concealed weapon in his jacket. "Marcus," he barked into his earpiece. "Status on the grid."
Static hissed back.
"Marcus!" Julian yelled. Nothing.
"He’s cut the comms," Eleanor said, her voice remarkably steady as she stepped in front of Maya.
The heavy oak door of the bedroom slowly clicked open. The hallway outside was pitch black.
From the shadows, Richard Sterling stepped into the room. He wasn't wearing a tactical suit or a mask. He was wearing a flawless white tuxedo, looking as if he were simply arriving to host his own party. In his right hand, he casually held a silenced pistol.
"Thermal cameras, Julian?" Richard tutted, shaking his head. "I built the underground wine cellar before you were even born. There is an access grate that leads directly to the sub-basement. You boys rely too much on technology."
Julian raised his weapon, pointing it dead at Richard's chest. "Drop the gun, Richard, or I will end you right here."
May you like
"If you shoot me, Julian, the dead-man's switch on my server activates," Richard said smoothly, not even flinching at the gun pointed at him. "Every piece of dirt, every illegal wire transfer this company has ever made goes straight to the Washington Post. Eleanor goes to prison. You go to prison. The empire falls."
He held out his left hand toward Maya. "I told you, Arabella. I always win. Give me the signed transfer papers. Now."
