A second chance for glory

CHAPTER 5

The Start of the Fall

"Do you think you're ready for this?" As they stood behind the curtain, David questioned, turning to face Sarah. The press conference was coming up in a few minutes. A flurry of journalists, cameras, and microphones prepared to record every word filled the room across from them.

Sarah answered, "I'm ready," her hands trembling a little but her voice calm. "This has to be done,"

David gave a nod. "All right. Don't forget to stick to the facts. Keep your words from being twisted by them.

Sarah inhaled deeply. "I refuse to."

Out of nowhere, there was a voice behind the curtain calling, "Ms. Evans, we're ready for you.”

Sarah received a little, reassuring grin from David. "Leave now."

The cameras' powerful lights almost blinded them as they entered the stage. Sarah blinked, looking around the room rapidly. She was waited on by dozens of reporters, their expressions full of anticipation for a story.

David was the first to go up to the microphone. I appreciate everyone's presence today. Our goal is to reveal the real story behind Michael and Elena Evans.

Everyone in the room hung upon his words as silence descended.

"What we are going to reveal is not just a personal matter, but a matter of public interest," David went on. Elena Evans has been using her power to deceive others to her advantage, while Michael Evans has engaged in financial fraud.

A murmur went through the throng. Reporters made notes and murmured to one another as cameras flashed.

With her heart racing in her chest, Sarah took a step forward. Even though I was a member of this family, I was kept in the dark about their plots. Along with so many others, they deceived me. You should not believe what you believe about Michael and Elena.

A reporter put up his hand. "Ms. Evans, could you please provide proof?"

David gave each reporter a folder. All the proof of their misdeeds is included in these files. Contracts, emails, and bank statements are all available here.

The room exploded with questions, reporters yelling over each other.

"Are you concerned about backlash?"

"What will you do next?"

"Is this about retaliation or money?"

Despite feeling overpowered, Sarah remained firm. This has to do with justice. Too many people have been harmed by Michael and Elena. It's time for them to deal with the fallout.

Sarah could feel the consequences of her actions beginning to set in as the news conference went on. She'd started the process of dismantling them. She was aware that this was far from finished, however.

As they were closing things up, Sarah was approached by a tall guy dressed in a black suit. His speech was low and his expression stern. Exercise caution, Ms. Evans. Michael has high-ranking friends. Hazardous locations

Sarah scowled. "Explain what you mean."

The guy looked around to make sure nobody else was paying attention. "He has ties to individuals who will not allow you to eliminate him without a struggle. You're experimenting with fire.

Before Sarah could inquire further, the guy retreated into the throng. A shiver went through her. She knew Michael was strong, but how deep did his ties go?

Elena's fists were clenched as she walked back and forth in her opulent apartment. The news had covered the press conference nonstop. Everyone was discussing her role in Michael's misdeeds. Sarah's courage to take such a risk astounded her.

Elena whispered under her breath, "Stupid girl." "She has no idea who she is toying with."

On the table, her phone buzzed. It was a message from one of her associates. "Sarah is planning to go after you next," was written in the text that she picked up and read. She is accumulating additional proof.

Elena squinted her eyes. Is she assuming she can defeat me? Without that attorney, she was nothing.

Reaching for her phone, she phoned a number. It took a few rings before a deep voice responded. "What is it that you need?"

With a chilly voice, Elena replied, "I need a favor." "I need you to take care of someone,"

"Who?" inquired the voice.

David Blake is his name. He is Sarah's attorney. She won't be able to defend herself if he moves out of the path.

The guy laughed bitterly on the other end. "Think of it accomplished."

With a content grin on her lips, Elena hung up the phone. Even though Sarah prevailed in this particular game, Elena refused to give up easily. She was prepared to employ her formidable friends as well.

Pouring herself a glass of wine, Elena gazed out her penthouse's floor-to-ceiling windows. She did not appreciate the grandeur of the scene as the city lights glittered under her. Her head was full of plots for retaliation.

Elena said to herself, "Sarah, enjoy your little victory." "It's going to end soon."

She took a drink of her wine and felt her composure returned. She was aware that Sarah wouldn't have a chance when David left the picture. Elena wasn't going to allow anybody to take away her authority, since she had always been in command.