Chapter 5 - The Shadow's Verdict
The silence that followed the recording inside the massive penthouse was suffocating and absolute.
Julian’s trembling hands shook so violently that he couldn't even maintain a proper grip on his phone.
"Where... where did you get that audio?" Julian whispered out, his spirit completely breaking.
"I have eyes and ears in every single room of that estate, Julian," Harrison answered ruthlessly.
"Did you honestly believe you could play your pathetic, abusive games directly under my roof?"
Evelyn slowly stood up from behind the safety of Harrison's broad frame.
Her voice, previously frail and weak, was no longer shaking in the slightest.
"I gave you every opportunity, Julian," Evelyn said, looking at him with utter disgust.
"I offered you my unconditional trust, my love, and my family's immense resources."
"And in return, you tried to starve me to death and steal my family's legacy."
"It isn't your legacy!" Julian shrieked, losing every last shred of his sanity and control.
"You're nothing more than a brainwashed puppet for this ruthless old monster!"
"Get out of my sight," Harrison commanded, his voice dropping an octave into pure fatality.
The heavy side doors of the study flew open, and two towering, muscular security guards stepped inside.
They instantly grabbed Julian by both shoulders, locking his arms behind his back with effortless strength.
"Get your hands off me!" Julian shrieked hysterically, kicking his feet wildly against the floor.
"This isn't over, do you hear me, Evelyn?!"
"I will tear your life apart!"
"I will destroy both of you if it's the last thing I ever do on this earth!"
The guards mercilessly dragged his flailing body out into the private elevator corridor.
The heavy doors slid shut with a smooth mechanical hum, instantly cutting off his frantic screaming.
Evelyn slowly exhaled a long, shaky breath, her hands finally resting at her sides.
"It's finally over now... isn't it, Uncle Harrison?" she asked quietly, looking up at him.
Harrison turned his gaze toward her, his expression grim, dark, and filled with heavy foresight.
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"No, my dear child," Harrison replied softly, his voice dropping low.
"This pathetic outburst was merely the opening shot of a much larger war."
