## Chapter 8: The Falling Empire
Beatrice straightened her spine, her arrogance still shielding her. “David, don’t be dramatic. I was doing this for you. This girl is a weight around your neck. I was securing the Sterling future!”
“The Sterling future is dead if it looks like you,” David roared.
One of the officers stepped forward. “Beatrice Sterling, Vanessa Thorne, you are under arrest for kidnapping, conspiracy to commit fraud, and aggravated assault.”
Vanessa tried to run, darting toward the kitchen, but the officers were faster. They tackled her to the ground, the sound of handcuffs clicking echoing through the marble hall. Beatrice, however, didn't move. She simply stared at David with a cold, detached hatred.
“You’ll regret this, David,” she said calmly. “Without me, this family is nothing.”
“Without you,” David replied, holding Emily tighter, “this family is finally free.”
As they led Beatrice away, she didn't look back once. She walked out into the rain with the same regal posture she had held her entire life, a queen losing a kingdom she never deserved.
Emily let out a gasp, her body racking with a massive contraction. “David… the baby. It’s happening.”
David’s face went pale. “Now? Right now?”
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“Now!” Emily screamed.
David turned to the remaining officer. “Get the ambulance! Now!”
