Chapter 12 - The Woman Beside Maya
Back in the ballroom, Catherine stood beside Maya.
One hand rested lightly on her shoulder.
Helen had moved several feet away to retrieve medication.
Sarah entered carrying the evidence devices.
Catherine saw them.
Her expression did not change.
“Step away from my daughter.”
Maya looked between them.
“Mom?”
Catherine slowly raised both hands.
“I am trying to keep her stable.”
“You killed my team.”
Guests began recording openly.
Elias moved toward the rear wall.
The locked doors prevented escape.
Catherine glanced at Adrian.
“You told her.”
“The file did.”
For fifteen years, Catherine had been Aunt Catherine.
She taught Maya to drive.
Stayed through fevers.
Held Sarah during the anniversary of Daniel’s death.
Sarah’s anger felt almost too large to control.
Catherine spoke quietly.
“I gave the location because the team had been compromised already.”
“Two agents died.”
“If I had done nothing, all of you would have died.”
“You sold them.”
“I redirected the attack.”
Sarah moved closer.
Maya whispered, “She was in our house yesterday.”
Catherine looked at her.
“To protect you.”
“You searched Mom’s office.”
Catherine’s eyes hardened for one second.
Maya had noticed.
She had pretended to be asleep while Catherine opened Sarah’s locked cabinet.
Catherine was looking for the old cardiac implant records.
She needed confirmation that Sarah could still open Daniel’s vault.
The gala was built to force Sarah underground.
Jonathan drugged Maya because Arthur ordered it.
Elias supplied the money and security.
Catherine activated Blackout.
Each believed they controlled the night.
None trusted the others.
Sarah held up the complete file.
“It uploads in six minutes.”
That was a bluff.
Catherine did not know.
She reached inside her gown.
Sarah drew her weapon.
Catherine removed a small remote.
“If that file leaves this room, Daniel dies.”
The ballroom became silent.
Sarah’s hand tightened.
Catherine smiled sadly.
“Your husband is alive.”
May you like
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