Chapter 10 - THE TRAP THAT FAILED
Laurel and Daniel met with federal investigators.
They provided financial records, shipping manifests, and testimony about Pierce's activities.
The investigation expanded.
Pierce's network began unraveling.
But before authorities could act, Laurel received a threatening message.
It contained a photograph of Evelyn's house.
Below it were five words:
You should have stayed gone.
Laurel immediately contacted Hannah and investigators.
Protective measures were arranged.
Evelyn temporarily relocated.
Daniel agreed to remain under official protection.
Laurel refused to return to Beckett.
She no longer believed that his wealth or influence could guarantee safety.
Meanwhile, Beckett discovered Pierce had been manipulating him for years.
He confronted his lieutenant in a private office.
“You used my wife.”
Pierce smiled.
“She was becoming inconvenient.”
Beckett's jaw tightened.
“You threatened her brother.”
Pierce's expression changed.
“So you know.”
Beckett stared.
“Daniel is alive.”
Pierce said nothing.
Beckett stepped closer.
“You lied to me for eight years.”
Pierce laughed.
“You were too busy enjoying your empire to notice.”
The words struck harder than Beckett expected.
Because they were partly true.
He had allowed Pierce to handle everything he didn't want to see.
And people had suffered.
Beckett looked at him.
“It's over.”
Pierce smiled coldly.
“Not yet.”
Then the office door opened.
Federal agents entered.
Pierce froze.
Beckett stepped aside.
May you like
For the first time in his life, he chose not to settle betrayal with violence.
He let the law take its course.
