Chapter 10: The Night Everything Shifted
Daniel was arrested at 6:14 a.m. on a Thursday.
I watched from across the street as they led him out of the penthouse in handcuffs. Vanessa’s signed confession, the audio, the logs, the insurance policy, the partnership clause—all of it had been enough.
He saw me standing there.
For a moment the polished mask slipped completely. What looked back at me was pure, animal hatred.
I did not look away.
Later that day the detective called.
“We’re upgrading the charges,” he said. “Two counts of first-degree murder. Conspiracy. Fraud. Attempted coercion. He’s not walking away from this.”
I thanked him and hung up.
Then I drove to the cemetery.
I sat between the two small graves for a long time, the late afternoon light turning the lilies gold.
May you like
“I kept the promise,” I whispered.
The wind moved through the trees like a quiet answer.
