Chapter 16
It’s all a blur and she comes back into focus in the holding room hours later, when lawyers and security and silence have blurred together into something unreal.
Self-defense.
Clear.
Documented.
On camera.
Saxton fired first.
The embarrassment hits late, nauseating, when she realizes how many people watched the footage, how many times his death will be replayed, slowed down, analyzed, monetized.
The room empties and she’s left alone with the truth.
Paperwork is slid across the table by a man whose job is to remain neutral.
Saxton is dead.
Which means the controlling beneficiary changes.
Which means the entire fortune—
All of it—
Is hers.
No vote.
No condition.
No ultimatum.
The inheritance clause terminates upon violent death.
Michelle laughs once, sharp and broken.
This fucked family game didn’t care about morality.
Only outcomes.
Only about making a decision.
Was she that twisted?
Does this run in their family blood?
Was she destined to be this ruthless?
