Chapter 12: The Ashford House
Arthur returned to the family estate because he wanted the story to end where it began.
He took Margaret and Victoria hostage inside the ballroom.
Julian, released temporarily during the corrupted transfer arranged by Hale, stood beside him.
The same guests who had witnessed Celeste’s humiliation were no longer present.
Only the family remained.
Celeste entered wearing her naval uniform.
Arthur smiled.
“At last, you look like an Ashford.”
“I look like someone who survived one.”
Arthur had wired the estate with explosives.
He demanded the trust documents and control of the company.
Eleanor entered behind Celeste.
Arthur’s confidence faltered.
“You should have remained hidden.”
Eleanor stepped forward.
“You were afraid of a seven-year-old girl.”
Arthur raised his gun.
Victoria suddenly moved between them.
“Enough.”
Arthur stared at her.
Victoria had spent years obeying him, imitating his cruelty, and punishing Celeste because she feared becoming his next victim.
Now she looked directly at her father.
“You made us compete for your approval,” she said. “But you never loved any of us.”
Arthur struck her.
Celeste lunged, but Julian aimed his weapon at Margaret.
Then Margaret did something none of them expected.
She grabbed Julian’s arm and forced the gun downward.
The shot hit Arthur in the leg.
Chaos erupted.
Victoria tackled Julian.
Celeste disarmed Arthur.
Eleanor found the explosive control unit.
Arthur laughed through the pain.
“You cannot stop the countdown.”
Eleanor examined the device.
Then she smiled faintly.
“There is no countdown.”
Arthur’s face changed.
Eleanor had replaced the detonator before arriving.
For the first time, Arthur Ashford looked powerless.
Sirens surrounded the estate.
May you like
Celeste lowered the gun.
“No more family justice,” she said. “This time, the law gets you.”
