Chapter 11 - A Race Against Time: The Poison Strikes the Wrong Target
Three days after the dramatic raid at the Vance Manor, the Sterling empire was officially dismantled.
Marcus Sterling, Vanessa Sterling, and forty-two corrupt executives, corrupt city officials, and compromised lab technicians were formally indicted on federal capital murder and racketeering charges without the possibility of bail.
At the Vance Memorial Neuro-Pulmonary Institute upstate, the sun was shining brightly through the panoramic windows of Room 101.
Elena sat beside her father’s bed, peeling a fresh green apple. Mateo Morales was sitting up, fully conscious, breathing without the heavy oxygen mask for the first time in three years. His color had returned, his eyes were bright, and a broad, proud smile was on his weathered face.
“Mija,” Mateo said in Spanish, his voice strong and clear. “The doctors tell me that this Mr. Vance gave me a new lease on life. But they also tell me that my daughter fought off armed assassins with an IV pole.”
Elena laughed, blushing as she handed him a slice of apple. “I had to make sure you’d be around to walk me down the aisle someday, Dad.”
Mateo chuckled warmly, squeezing her hand. “Speaking of which... who is that handsome young man standing outside your door for the past twenty minutes looking like a nervous schoolboy?”
Elena turned around.
Julian was standing in the corridor through the glass window, wearing a clean charcoal suit, holding a massive bouquet of rare white hydrangeas and a warm cup of coffee in each hand. When he saw Elena looking, the formidable billionaire CEO blushed slightly, adjusting his tie with an uncharacteristic nervousness.
Mateo smiled knowingly. “Let him in, Elena. A man who looks at my daughter like she hung the stars in the sky deserves a cup of coffee.”
Elena stood up, opened the door, and invited Julian inside.
Julian walked in respectfully, setting the flowers on the table and offering a deep, humble nod to Mateo. “Mr. Morales. It is an absolute honor to meet you, sir.”
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“The honor is mine, Mr. Vance,” Mateo replied warmly. “Thank you for saving my life.”
“Your daughter saved mine first,” Julian said, his eyes locking onto Elena with an intensity of love that made her heart race. “In fact, she saved my life three times. I will spend the rest of my days trying to repay her.”
