Chapter 9 - The Legacy of Command
Rebecca guided Lauren toward the open doorway, her steps steady, measured, and completely in control of the room.
As they reached the threshold, Adrian made one final, desperate attempt to reclaim control of his shattered reality. He gripped the edge of the visitor's chair, his face contorted in anger.
"You think you've won this, Colonel?" Adrian spat, his voice trembling with venom. "We have unlimited resources! We will drag your name through every media outlet in the state! You used military assets for a personal matter!"
Rebecca stopped at the doorway. She didn't turn around completely; she merely looked back over her shoulder, her profile framed by the bright hallway light.
"I didn't use military assets for a personal matter, Adrian," Rebecca said, her voice chillingly quiet. "I used my personal authority as a mother to protect my child. The military assets arrived because your family committed federal crimes trying to hide what Evan did to her."
She looked at Celeste, whose face was now completely gray with realization.
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"Your wealth protected you in Greensboro, Mrs. Whitaker," Rebecca added. "It won't protect you in a federal courtroom."
Without another word, Rebecca turned and walked out of Room 412, her arm locked firmly around her daughter's waist as the tactical agents formed a moving protective wedge around them in the hospital corridor.
