Chapter 12 - THE FALL OF THE SENATOR
By 6:00 AM on Christmas morning, the federal prosecutor's office had received an anonymous, fully encrypted digital package containing Luca’s complete confession, along with the offshore bank records linking Senator Vance to the conspiracy.
The morning news didn't broadcast Christmas cheer.
It broadcasted breaking federal raids.
BREAKING: Senator Vance Arrested at His Washington Residence on Charges of Treason, Extortion, and Syndicate Collusion.
In the warmth of the master suite, I sat by the window watching the sun rise over the snow-covered pine trees, holding a steaming mug of black coffee.
Nicholas walked in, wearing a fresh shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
He sat down on the windowsill beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"The senator is in custody," Nicholas said quietly. "The estate is secure. There are no more leaks."
I leaned my head against his shoulder. "It feels like a war zone disguised as a Christmas party."
"That's the world I live in, Emily," Nicholas said, his fingers gently tracing my arm. "People see the lights, the mansions, the wealth. They don't see the blood it takes to keep the dark out."
"And me?" I asked, looking up into his gray eyes. "Where do I fit in?"
Nicholas kissed my forehead.
May you like
"You are the light, Emily," he whispered. "The only real thing in this entire house."
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