Chapter 16 - Checkmate at Midnight
The journey to the Caribbean was a whirlwind of logistics, financed by the resources Elias had spent decades hoarding. Avery spent the flight agonizing over every possible scenario. She was walking into a lion’s den, and she knew Liam would be waiting.
When they arrived at the island, the atmosphere was oppressive. The Sterling estate here was even more fortified than the one in the Hamptons. They landed the small, stealth plane in a concealed cove and moved through the dense jungle towards the villa.
“There,” Elias whispered, pointing to the main building.
Avery saw Liam standing on the terrace, cradling Leo. He looked exhausted, his face haunted by the wreckage of his empire. He was waiting for something, or someone.
“He knows we’re coming,” Avery whispered.
May you like
“Let him wait,” Elias said, checking the charge on his weapon. “We’re not here for a war of attrition. We’re here for a surgical strike.”
As they closed in, the villa’s security systems suddenly flared to life. The lights illuminated the entire grounds, and Liam turned, his eyes locking onto Avery’s. He didn't look angry; he looked broken. “You just don't know when to stop, do you, Avery?” he called out, his voice carrying through the night. “You think you’ve won? You think you’ve cleared my name? You’ve just burned down the only thing keeping us safe from the real monsters.”
