chapter1012

"If we can't produce any evidence, I'm afraid we won't be leaving this place alive tonight."

Jonathan's pride was pricked. "Utter nonsense! Star is family. No matter what, we'd never let our own come to harm!"

Joshua's eyes widened as though a revelation dawned on him. "Oh, so Mr. Williams cares for Star that much? In that case, when Star was hunted down by all those people just now, I'm sure you'll seek justice for her, won't you, Mr. Williams? Or wait-didn't your brother just act like he knew exactly who was after us? If you're feeling stuck, you could always just tell us who it was. Even if we're powerless to fight back, at least we could be on our guard."

Jonathan's face went rigid.

The very people who'd chased them down were his own men-how could he possibly admit that?

From the side, Leonard's voice drifted over, cool as ice. "You've been running all over the place, wasting my time. Are you dragging this out to change the subject?"

Joshua shot him a glance. "Alright, since you're in such a hurry, Mr. Lerman, let's deal with you first."

He turned to Jonathan. "So, Mr. Williams, I assume the manor has a place where we can show something on the big screen?"

Jonathan hesitated, but finally led everyone to the manor's media room.

Calling it a "media room" was generous; it was really a cozy private theater. The group settled into the best seats.

Israel, seeing Joshua make one request after another, let out a cold snort. "Don't think you can fool us with some doctored audio clip."

Joshua gave him a strange look. "Isn't that exactly what you'd want? That way, you could split up Star's original shares amongst yourselves."

Israel's face froze for a second, rage flickering in his eyes. "What shares? What the hell are you talking about?"

Joshua replied, "If you're not after Star's shares, then how about you make a promise in front of everyone:

even if Star loses, you won't touch nifst

her stake in the company. How about it?"

Israel opened his mouth but couldn't get a word out.

Skyler spoke up, voice low and steady. "Enough. The system's ready. Joshua, if you have evidence, let's see it."

Stella glanced around the room. Every face-Leonard's included looked calm and untroubled, as if they were certain Joshua had nothing on them.

Without another word, Joshua pulled out his phone and cast the video onto the giant screen.

In a blink, an image filled the room a place Stella could never forget as long as she lived.

Leonard's eyes contracted in shock; his expression changed instantly. He nearly leapt to his feet.

From the speakers, Leonard's mocking laughter echoed.

"Ms. Cameron, you get one shot for each finger. If you can't break it,

... what a

Ine

shame. Everyone here will get a little free show. Go ahead, Ms. Cameron-let's see what you've got."

Then came Abby's gut-wrenching screams, her sobs and curses hurled at Leonard.

As the video played on, there was no denying it: Leonard's figure was right there in the frame.

He planted his foot on Stella's hand, grinding it down with deliberate cruelty. The sickening snap of bone could be heard, sharp and clear.

Before, when Leonard hadn't appeared on camera, there'd been room for denial-a claim that it was all staged. But now, with Leonard's face and every calculated motion laid bare for all to see, there could be no more excuses. The truth was plain as day.