Chapter 16 - THE FORTIETH FLOOR
Wind moved through the unfinished tower.
There were no windows on the upper floors, only concrete pillars and open air.
Adrian stood near the edge with his hands bound.
Victor held a gun against his back.
Elena entered carrying the black document case.
Police tactical teams remained hidden several floors below.
Victor had threatened to shoot Adrian if he saw officers, drones or helicopters.
Elena walked forward alone.
“You have the authorization,” Victor said.
“Yes.”
“Put it down.”
She placed the case on the concrete.
Victor ordered Adrian to open it.
Inside was a document granting Hale Development access to $20 million.
At least, that was what Victor believed.
Adrian studied the pages.
He noticed the tracking strip but said nothing.
“Sign the trustee approval,” Victor ordered.
Adrian refused.
Victor struck him with the gun.
Elena took another step.
“Don’t hurt him.”
Victor laughed bitterly.
“A day ago, you didn’t even know he was your father.”
“I know he came when I needed him.”
“He abandoned you.”
Adrian lifted his head.
“That is not what happened.”
Victor aimed the gun toward Elena.
“Then tell her.”
Adrian finally revealed the truth.
He and Isabel had been young when Elena was conceived. Adrian’s wealthy father threatened to take the baby and destroy Isabel’s nursing career unless Adrian ended the relationship.
Isabel left without telling Adrian where she had gone.
Years later, Adrian found them.
Isabel refused contact because she believed the Cross family’s power would endanger Elena.
Adrian agreed to remain hidden but created the trust to protect them.
He watched from a distance.
He attended Elena’s college graduation from the back row.
He paid Isabel’s medical bills anonymously when she became ill.
Before dying, Isabel asked him to tell Elena the truth only if Elena needed him.
“She needed you her entire life,” Victor said.
Adrian’s eyes filled with guilt.
“I know.”
Elena felt anger, grief and relief at the same time.
But she also saw Victor’s hand tightening around the gun.
“You wanted money,” she told him. “The documents are there. Let Adrian sign.”
Victor forced Adrian toward the case.
Adrian signed.
Victor grabbed the papers.
A notification appeared on Elena’s concealed device.
The signature and fingerprints had been captured.
Victor had handled the fraudulent authorization while holding the trustee at gunpoint.
The evidence was complete.
Police announced themselves from the stairwell.
Victor dragged Adrian toward the open edge.
“You trapped me!”
Elena looked directly at him.
“No, Victor. I let you choose.”
Victor raised the gun.
May you like
A single shot cracked across the unfinished floor.
👉 The shot echoed over Denver—but Elena could not see whether Victor had fired at Adrian, the officers or her unborn future without him.
