Chapter 4 - The Husband's Choice
The sharp click of the handcuffs locking around Chloe’s wrists echoed like a gunshot in the grand foyer.
Eleanor screamed in horror, rushing forward to grab her daughter, but an officer blocked her path with a stern warning.
It was only then that Julian finally snapped out of his cowardly paralysis.
He rushed toward the stretcher where the paramedics were preparing to wheel Emma out to the waiting ambulance.
"Emma, please, you have to stop this right now," Julian pleaded, grabbing the cold metal railing of the stretcher.
"She is my sister, she made a mistake, but we can handle this privately!"
Emma looked at the man she had loved, the man she had married with hopes of building a beautiful life.
She saw nothing but a weak, pathetic shadow of a human being who cared more about a country club reputation than his own child.
"She tried to kill our baby, Julian," Emma said, her voice devoid of any warmth or affection.
"And instead of asking if your child is alive, you are begging me to save your family's public image."
Julian swallowed hard, sweat beads forming on his forehead as he glanced nervously at Detective Vance.
"I will buy you that house in the Hamptons you always wanted, we can move away from my parents," Julian offered desperately.
"Just tell the police it was a misunderstanding, please, Emma, they will ruin us."
Emma slowly reached into the pocket of her ruined maternity dress and pulled out a small, silver flash drive.
She held it up in the air, catching the attention of Detective Vance, who immediately stepped over to collect it.
"I am not just sending your sister to prison, Julian," Emma whispered, staring directly into his terrified eyes.
"That drive contains every offshore bank account, every forged signature, and every bribe your father paid to the city council over the last ten years."
Arthur Sterling staggered backward as if he had been physically struck in the chest.
He grabbed his chest, suddenly realizing that the quiet, submissive girl they had bullied for years was actually a master strategist.
"You are a monster," Julian whispered, backing away from his wife in pure horror.
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"No, Julian," Emma replied, a genuine smile finally breaking through her pain.
"I am a mother, and I am simply cleaning up the toxic waste before my baby arrives."
