CHAPTER 12 – BEFORE SUNSET
CHAPTER 12 – BEFORE SUNSET
The storm grounded medical helicopters.
Roads around the tower were blocked by police vehicles and media vans.
Khloe could not wait.
The physician accompanying the tactical team transformed an unfinished office into an emergency delivery room.
Plastic sheets covered a concrete table.
Portable lamps provided light.
Marcus stayed beside Khloe.
Outside, officers searched the building for Victor.
Isabella sat handcuffed near the stairwell, watching everything with hollow eyes.
“You ruined my life,” she whispered.
Khloe looked toward her.
“No.”
Another contraction tightened through her.
“You ruined it yourself.”
Isabella laughed.
“You think Marcus will remain loyal after this?”
Marcus did not look at her.
“She nearly died because I failed her once.”
He held Khloe’s hand.
“I will not fail again.”
Khloe closed her eyes.
“Do not make promises while I’m in labor.”
Despite everything, the physician almost smiled.
An hour passed.
The baby’s heartbeat weakened.
“We need to deliver now,” the physician said.
Marcus looked at Khloe.
Fear entered her face.
“What happens if we don’t?”
“We risk losing the child.”
“And if we do?”
“The baby is premature, but we have neonatal support downstairs.”
Khloe nodded.
“Do it.”
Outside the room, a gunshot sounded.
Adrian shouted through the radio.
“Victor is moving toward the roof!”
Marcus looked toward the door.
Khloe tightened her grip.
“Stay.”
He did.
For the first time that night, he chose her without hesitation.
Minutes later, a newborn’s cry filled the unfinished tower.
Small.
Fragile.
Alive.
Khloe began sobbing.
Marcus lowered his forehead against her hand.
The physician wrapped the baby and held him close enough for them to see.
“A boy.”
Marcus stared at his son.
He had spent his life surrounded by power, wealth and people who feared his name.
Nothing had ever made him feel as powerless as the sight of that tiny child struggling to breathe.
The neonatal team rushed the baby downstairs.
Marcus remained with Khloe until she was stable.
Then Adrian entered.
“We found Victor on the roof.”
“Alive?”
“Yes.”
“He attempted to cross to the neighboring building. He fell onto a maintenance platform and broke his leg.”
Khloe closed her eyes.
“And Isabella?”
“In custody.”
Marcus looked toward the stairwell.
“What happens now?”
Adrian held up a phone.
“The full hospital recording has been released by the district attorney.”
Every network in America was broadcasting it.
Isabella’s lies collapsed within minutes.
Sponsors severed contracts with the Rossi family.
Board members resigned.
Federal prosecutors announced charges involving attempted murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, obstruction and financial crimes.
Isabella had wanted the world to believe Khloe was unstable.
Instead, the world watched Isabella attack a pregnant woman.
Marcus approached Isabella before police took her away.
She looked at him through the bars of a temporary security gate.
“Tell them I was afraid.”
“You weren’t.”
“She threatened me.”
“The recording proves she didn’t.”
Isabella stepped closer.
“I loved you.”
Marcus looked at her without emotion.
“You loved the life you thought I could give you.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Is there a difference?”
“Yes.”
He turned away.
May you like
Behind him, Isabella screamed his name.
He did not look back.
