Chapter 8: The Checkmate
"Thank you, Vanessa," I said softly. "That's exactly what I needed to hear."
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What?"
Before she could process the shift in my tone, two plainclothes detectives approached the table. They didn't make a scene, but their badges flashed clearly in the dim light of the restaurant.
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"Vanessa Sterling? You're under arrest for extortion, attempted fraud, and blackmail," the lead detective said, pulling her arms behind her back.
The champagne glass slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor. Her smug confidence vanished, replaced by the same panicked, desperate look she had on the day of the wedding. She screamed obscenities at me as they dragged her out, but I didn't flinch. I just drank my water, paid the bill, and walked out into the cool night air. The monster was finally caged.
