Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 883: "I only wanted to frighten you... to make you rethink things, to get you to say yes... marry me... That's all I wanted. Just a chance." Completely defeated, Vince crumpled to the floor, resembling a broken fighter left sobbing in the wreckage of his own choices. Suddenly, hurried footsteps pounded on the fire escape. With a thunder of boots, a SWAT team stormed inside, weapons drawn, spreading out to lock down every angle. Several officers wasted no time, wrestling Vince to the floor and pinning him with practiced efficiency. All around, the crowd burst into a chaotic uproar.

Amid the shouts, a crisp, familiar voice sliced through the noise. "Hold on." Heads swiveled as a clear path parted in the wall of onlookers. Striding into view came a cluster of detectives in plainclothes, authority written on every badge. Out in front walked a man everyone recognized-Roland. A steady, unwavering presence, Roland's sharp gaze missed nothing; every inch of him radiated control and silent command. Maia's heart skipped. She hadn't expected to see him here. No time was wasted on greetings. Roland crossed straight to where Vince lay restrained.

"Vince Ward." Calm but cold, his words cut like a blade. "You've had your moment. It's over." Recognition flashed in Vince's eyes, a bitter grin flickering as if he still had something left to say. Steel cuffs clamped around his wrists before another word escaped. Two officers stepped forward, holding up their IDs. "Vince Ward, you're under arrest for major disturbances, endangering the public, illegal possession of explosives, and making violent threats. You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say can be used against you in court." Panic seized Vince as he shouted, "No!

I never blew up anything! Those were just fireworks, smoke bombs, nothing more! I just wanted to scare her. You've got no right! You don't get it-I love her!" : gν﹒ⅽ Wild-eyed and frantic, he fought the officers, his pleas ringing hollow in the charged air. Roland's voice took on a sharper edge. "Vince Ward, your crimes run far deeper than you admit." His words sliced through the tension like ice. "You hired an assassin to target a Zenith Legal attorney. We have ironclad evidence-along with a signed confession from your accomplice.

Just enjoy your life in prison, facing what you've done." Instantly, chaos erupted throughout the room. "Hired an assassin? He's absolutely insane?" "Isn't that attorney from Zenith Legal representing Maia? Wasn't the incident called an accident before?" "So it was Vince pulling the strings all along?" Shock froze Vince in place, eyes wide and unblinking, lips parted in silent horror. It was all over, and he knew it. In that instant, every facade, every calculated gesture, drained away. Laughter spilled from Vince's lips, empty and wild.

Turning around, he caught sight of a figure storming through the crowd-a man in a tailored suit, eyes blazing with fury. . . .