AMARA'S POV
The Stone estate looms ahead. Dark. Abandoned. Perfect for a trap.
Gabriel parks half a mile away. We walk through woods in silence. My heart pounds with every step.
I hide in the trees while Gabriel approaches the main house. He's wearing a wire. Police are listening five miles out. Ready to move when Victoria confesses.
That's the plan.
Plans never work out.
I watch through binoculars as Gabriel enters the estate. The door closes behind him.
Now I wait. Five minutes. Nothing. Ten minutes. My heart pounds harder. Fifteen minutes. The wire should be transmitting. Why haven't the police moved?
My phone vibrates. Text from unknown number: The wire is jammed. He's on his own. You should run. -A Friend
Not Victoria's usual signature. Who sent this?
I call the police contact. Straight to voicemail.
Something's wrong.
I break my promise to Gabriel. Leave my hiding spot. Run toward the house.
The front door is locked. I go around back. Find a broken window. Climb through carefully.
Inside, the estate is dark. Dusty. I hear voices upstairs. Gabriel and Victoria.
I creep up the stairs. Stay in shadows. Every step feels too loud.
You really thought I'd fall for this? Victoria's voice. Cold. Amused. A wire? How pedestrian, nephew.
Where is it? Gabriel. Angry.
I removed it. Along with your phone. You're completely cut off. No police. No backup. Just us.
My blood runs cold.
I peek around the corner. See them in what used to be a study. Victoria holds a gun. Pointed at Gabriel.
Sit, she orders.
Gabriel sits. His eyes scan the room. Looking for escape. Finding none.
You know what your mother's mistake was? Victoria circles him like a predator. She was weak. She loved your father even when he hurt her. Love made her pathetic.
Don't talk about my mother.
Why not? I tried to help her. Told her to leave. To be strong. But she wouldn't listen. So I made the choice for her.
Gabriel goes still. What did you say?
Your mother didn't kill herself, Gabriel. I killed her.
The world tilts. I grip the doorframe to stay upright.
Gabriel lunges. Victoria steps back. Cocks the gun.
Sit down. Or I'll shoot you like I shot her.
You're lying.
Am I? The police called it suicide. But I was there that night. We fought. She said she was leaving. Taking you. Starting over. I couldn't let her take what was mine.
She wasn't yours
The Stone name is mine! The money is mine! Your father promised me everything when we were young. Then he met that Brazilian immigrant and forgot all about me.
Gabriel's face twists with rage. You killed her because you were jealous?
I killed her because she was weak. Just like you're weak. Falling in love with another immigrant nobody. Repeating history. Victoria's smile is vicious. But I won't let you ruin the Stone legacy again.
What are you going to do? Shoot me too?
Eventually. But first, I want you to watch me destroy her. Victoria pulls out her phone. Shows him a video. Flames. A cabin burning. Your little hideaway. Burning right now. With your precious Amara inside.
No. That's where Gabriel thinks I am.
Gabriel stands. NO!
Victoria shoots. The bullet hits the wall beside his head. Next one goes in your heart. Sit. Down.
Gabriel sits. Shaking. If you hurt her
What? You'll kill me? You don't have it in you. You're too much like your mother. Weak.
I should run. Get help. But the police aren't coming. The wire is jammed. Gabriel's trapped.
I'm all he has.
I step out. He's not weak. Neither was his mother.
Victoria spins. Gun on me. Well. A surprise.
Amara, run! Gabriel shouts.
I'm not leaving.
Touching. Better than I planned.
You murdered Elena, I say, walking closer.
She was an obstacle. Like you.
Police heard everything.
I jammed the wire.
Not mine. I show my phone. Recording. Uploading to the cloud. Police have it. FBI. Everyone.
Victoria goes white.
Gabriel tackles her. Gun goes off. They struggle. Another shot.
Gabriel stands. Blood on his shirt. I'm okay. Not my blood.
Victoria lies on the floor. Gun in Gabriel's hand.
It's over, he says.
She laughs. I have contingencies. Evidence. Marriage fraud. I'll destroy you both.
No. I show my phone. I recorded everything. Murder. Stalking. Hiring shooters.
Sirens.
Police burst in. Hands up!
She confessed to murder, Gabriel says.
I called 911, I explain. Put them on mute. They heard everything.
They arrest Victoria. This isn't over, she hisses. I'll be out in a week.
Maybe. But everyone knows the truth now.
She's gone.
Three hours later. Police station. Statements given. We're free.
What about the cabin fire? I ask outside.
Gabriel checks his phone. Bluffing. It's fine.
What about her evidence of the fraud?
We deal with it. Together.
My phone rings. Hello?
Officer Martinez. USCIS. Your green card application is approved. Arrives in two weeks. Congratulations, Mrs. Stone.
I can't breathe. Thank you.
I hang up. Look at Gabriel. We got approved.
His smile is blinding. Lifts me up. Spins me. We did it!
I laugh. Cry. Kiss him.
Victoria arrested. Green card approved.
So what now? Gabriel asks.
We figure out what we want.
I know what I want. He takes my hands. You. Forever. Real. Marry me again. For real this time.
I open my mouth.
Phone rings. Unknown number.
Hello?
Amara Okoye? Special Agent Brooks. FBI. Calling regarding your marriage to Gabriel Stone. We have evidence suggesting immigration fraud. Victoria Stone provided recordings. Contracts. We're opening a formal investigation. Do not leave the city. Do not contact Mr. Stone.
I want my own lawyer.
Your right. But if we find fraud, you'll be deported. Mr. Stone will face federal charges. Cooperate.
Line goes dead.
Gabriel sees my face. What's wrong?
FBI. They have evidence. Investigating us for fraud.
All color drains from his face.
Green card approved. Victoria arrested.
But Victoria's final move was already in play.
Everything we fought for could still be destroyed.