But the old man kept looking at her. “That will be investigated,” he said. “For now, Claudia, I have no choice but to restrict your movements.
You’ll remain in your rooms under supervision.” He pressed the call button with firm resolve. Two large security men entered the study.
It was strange—both of them looked at Claudia as if waiting for her instructions. She straightened, and a triumphant smile spread across her face. “Looks like you’ve finally lost your grip, Uncle.
You seem to have forgotten who actually runs your business, your security, and this house,” she said calmly, then pointed at me. “Remove her. Take her off the property and make sure she doesn’t come back.”
One of the guards stepped toward me and twisted my arm behind my back. I cried out as sharp pain shot through my shoulder. My grandfather watched in helpless disbelief, seeing his authority collapse in front of him under the weight of a betrayal he had allowed to grow.
The study door flew open, cutting Claudia off. Vasily strode in, followed by two plainclothes detectives and an investigator in a dark jacket. “Nobody move,” the investigator said firmly, showing his badge.
“Criminal investigation.” “What is this?” Claudia said, looking at the newcomers with open contempt. Then she recognized Vasily and gave a thin smile.
“Still hanging around, are you? Couldn’t get over being demoted from head of security to a nobody.” The veteran didn’t answer. At his signal, the detectives moved in at once.
The guard holding me let go and stepped back toward the wall. I swayed, clutching my aching arm, and Vasily was beside me immediately, steadying me. “You are being detained on suspicion of committing a serious felony,” the investigator said to the guards while the detectives began patting them down for weapons.
“Cuff them.” The steel handcuffs clicked shut around the men’s wrists. Then the investigator turned to Claudia, who stood frozen, unable to move.
“You are under suspicion in connection with arranging an attempted murder. You will come with us for questioning.” His voice was calm and professional…
