Chapter 7 - Victor’s Final Trap Put Grace Between a Gun and the Man She Loved
Victor disappeared underground.
The authorities searched everywhere.
Adrian knew he would return.
The question was when.
Three weeks passed.
Grace began rebuilding her life.
She returned to work.
She promoted two junior employees.
She laughed more.
She started believing the danger was ending.
Then the wedding invitation arrived.
Not from them.
From Victor.
A black envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Grace and Adrian sleeping.
Taken through their bedroom window.
Grace stared at it.
He had found them.
The message was simple.
Come to Lakehaven Hotel at midnight.
Come alone.
Or everyone you love dies.
Adrian refused.
Grace insisted.
“I won't let him hurt you.”
“He wants you because you're important to me.”
“Then we use that.”
Adrian looked at her.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because you're not bait.”
She touched his cheek.
“Then don't treat me like it.”
They created a plan.
Federal agents surrounded the hotel.
Grace entered.
Adrian followed from a distance.
Victor appeared on the rooftop.
He had Laura.
Claire.
Daniel.
And dozens of hostages.
Adrian froze.
“You're finished.”
Victor smiled.
“Not yet.”
He pointed at Grace.
“She decides.”
Adrian looked at Grace.
Victor continued.
“Walk away from him.”
Grace shook her head.
“No.”
“Do it.”
“No.”
Victor raised the gun.
Adrian stepped forward.
“Take me.”
Grace shouted.
“No.”
Victor smiled.
“That is why you lose.”
Suddenly the rooftop doors opened.
Marcus Rourke entered.
He had been working with federal authorities.
He wasn't with Victor anymore.
He shot one of Victor's men.
Chaos erupted.
Adrian rushed forward.
Grace tackled Victor.
His weapon fell.
He grabbed her.
Adrian reached them.
Victor raised his hand around Grace's throat.
“I can still kill her.”
Grace looked at Adrian.
“Don't.”
He stopped.
Victor smiled.
Then Grace stomped his foot.
He lost his balance.
Adrian grabbed him.
Federal agents surrounded them.
Victor was finally arrested.
There was no escape.
No secret tunnel.
No hidden accomplice.
No final trick.
The empire ended.
Afterward, Adrian sat beside Grace on the hotel roof.
Snow fell softly.
“You okay?”
She nodded.
“You?”
“Yes.”
He looked at the city.
“I'm free.”
Grace leaned against him.
“So am I.”
He kissed her forehead.
“I love you.”
“I know.”
He laughed.
“You're supposed to say it back.”
“I love you too.”
Then he pulled a small box from his pocket.
Grace stared.
“You didn't.”
“I did.”
“Adrian.”
He opened it.
Inside was a ring.
Not enormous.
Not flashy.
Simple.
Elegant.
Like her.
“I've never asked anyone for anything that mattered more.”
Grace covered her mouth.
“Will you marry me?”
Tears ran down her cheeks.
“Yes.”
He laughed.
A genuine laugh.
He pulled her into his arms.
May you like
For two people who had met beside a burning car, their ending should have felt impossible.
Instead, it felt inevitable.
