Chapter 91
The sound of the helicopters grew louder, their blades slicing through the air like thunder. The lights on the yacht’s deck were almost blinding, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. Kael’s guards gripped their weapons tightly, waiting for his command.
And then, a booming voice echoed through the chaos, authoritative and undeniable.
“This is President Alvada. Kael Veridan, stand down immediately.”
Celestina’s breath caught. Her father’s voice was clear and firm, cutting through the tension like a knife. She looked up, tears welling in her eyes, as one of the helicopters circled lower.
“Kael,” the president continued, his tone cold, “we have been tracking you for months. There is no escape. Surrender now, and no one else will get hurt.”
Kael’s jaw clenched, his expression hardening. He raised his hand, motioning for his men to hold their positions. “Bluffing won’t work on me, Mr. President!” he called out, his voice filled with defiance.
Celestina could see the fire in his eyes, the refusal to yield even in the face of overwhelming odds.
“Kael, stop this,” she pleaded, stepping toward him. “You’ve already lost. Don’t make this worse.”
Kael turned to her, his face twisted with frustration. “Stay out of this, Celestina. You don’t understand the game we’re playing.”
The president’s voice came again, calm but unyielding. “This is not a game, Kael. Look around you. You’re surrounded. Your men are outnumbered, and your plans have failed. Don’t throw away what little you have left.”
Kael let out a bitter laugh. “Failed? You think I’ve failed? You may have cornered me here, but my influence stretches far beyond this yacht. You can’t win this.”
One of Kael’s guards muttered, “Sir, we’re outnumbered. We should retreat.”
“Silence,” Kael snapped, his hand shooting up to quiet the man.
Suddenly, the large screen on one of the helicopters lit up, casting a pale glow across the yacht. Celestina’s heart skipped a beat as the video feed came into focus.
The image showed a dimly lit room, where several people were tied to chairs. Their faces were gaunt, their expressions filled with fear. Celestina gasped as she recognized them.
Kael froze, his eyes narrowing. “What is this?”
The president’s voice rang out again, sharper this time. “Your family, Kael. Your wife, your brother, your nephew. I have them in custody.”
Kael’s confident facade began to crack, his shoulders tensing as his eyes remained glued to the screen.
“Release them,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
President Alvada’s tone didn’t waver. “You’re in no position to make demands. They’re safe for now, but their fate depends on you. If you continue this madness, I won’t hesitate to act.”
Kael’s hand tightened around the railing, his knuckles turning white. He turned to Celestina, his gaze burning with fury and desperation. “Did you know about this? Did you tell him?”
“No,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I didn’t know.”
Kael’s eyes darted back to the screen, his breathing growing heavier. His men exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken.
The president’s voice came again, this time colder than ever. “Kael, your family’s lives are in your hands. Surrender now, and they will be unharmed. If you resist, they won’t leave that room alive. The choice is yours.”
Kael’s guards looked at him, waiting for his command. The silence on the yacht was deafening, the tension so thick it was suffocating.
“Sir,” one of the guards said hesitantly, “what do we do?”
Kael’s jaw worked as he struggled to maintain his composure. His eyes darted between the screen, Celestina, and his men. Finally, he slammed his fist onto the railing, his voice breaking through the silence.
“Stand down,” he barked, his tone laced with defeat.
The guards hesitated for a moment before lowering their weapons.
“Release them,” Kael ordered, nodding toward Liora and Dimitri.
One of the guards stepped forward and untied Liora, who collapsed into Celestina’s arms, weak but conscious. Dimitri stood tall as his restraints were removed, his eyes never leaving Kael.
As Kael’s men dropped their weapons, the armed operatives from the helicopters moved in, securing the yacht and taking control. The tide had turned, and Kael’s reign was crumbling before everyone’s eyes.
Two of the operatives approached Kael, handcuffs in hand.
“This isn’t over,” Kael muttered, his voice low and venomous.
Celestina watched as they cuffed his wrists and began leading him away. His gaze found hers, cold and unwavering.
“This isn’t over, Celestina,” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “You’ll regret this. You’ll regret everything.”
