Chapter 100 The Fall of Desmond
DAVID
“Denise,” Janet’s voice cracked as she whispered his name. Her hand trembled slightly, clutching the edge of the table for balance.
I froze at the sound, a rush of memories flooding back. Denise. The man who destroyed my sister’s life. My jaw tightened as I processed her words, my hands curling into fists. A slow, humorless smile crept across my face, but inside, fury churned like a storm.
“Well, well,” I said, my voice a low growl. “Don’t tell me that bastard’s been released from prison.”
Janet didn’t respond, but the haunted look in her eyes was all the confirmation I needed. She was trying to stand tall, but the faint quiver in her lips betrayed her.
“Ten years,” I muttered, more to myself than to her. “It’s been ten years, and now he’s free. After everything he’s done...”
The image of Janet’s younger self flashed in my mind barely more than a teenager, her face pale and tear-streaked as she begged me to help her. Denise had forced her into an abortion, leaving her unable to have children ever again. A rage so fierce it burned in my chest threatened to consume me.
“I won’t let him hurt you again,” I said, stepping closer and placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “You hear me? I’ll protect you, no matter what.”
Janet nodded but didn’t meet my eyes. “I’m not scared of him,” she said, though the tremor in her voice told a different story.
I studied her carefully, noticing the way her arms wrapped around herself as if to shield her from an invisible threat. “Are you sure? If you want to leave, I can book a flight tonight. You don’t have to stay here.”
“No,” she said firmly, shaking her head. “I can’t keep running. I’ve spent years hiding, looking over my shoulder. I’ll have to face him eventually. If it’s not now... it’ll be never.”
Her words were brave, but I caught the slight hitch in her breath. She was scared terrified, even but determined not to let it control her.
“Sir, he’s awake,” John’s voice broke the tense moment as he rushed into the room. “Desmond is conscious.”
I glanced at Janet. “Do you want to rest, or are you coming with me?”
She straightened her posture, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve. “I’m coming. I need to see this for myself. Besides,” she added with a faint smirk, “I want to know how you know so much about this Desmond guy.”
I chuckled darkly. “Oh, you’ll find out.”
We walked down the dimly lit hallway toward the tutoring room, the air heavy with unspoken tension. My guards opened the door, and there he was Desmond, tied to a chair. His hair was disheveled, his face streaked with sweat. He groaned, his muscles straining against the ropes that bound him, but he was firmly secured.
I stepped inside, my boots echoing ominously on the tiled floor. Janet stayed a step behind me, her eyes locked on the man who had caused her so much pain.
“Hello, Desmond,” I said coolly, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. “It’s been a while.”
Desmond lifted his head, his eyes narrowing as they met mine. He muttered something behind the tape covering his mouth.
“Remove it,” I ordered.
One of my guards stepped forward and yanked the tape away. Desmond coughed, then laughed a deep, mocking sound.
“I should’ve known you’d come for me, David,” he said, his voice rough but defiant. “Old friend.”
Janet turned to me, her brows furrowed in shock. “Friend?” she mouthed silently.
I ignored her, keeping my eyes on Desmond.
“I should’ve killed you that night,” I said, my voice steady, though anger simmered beneath the surface. “When you tried to poison me. If I had, you wouldn’t have had the chance to kill Clara.”
Desmond leaned back as much as the ropes would allow, smirking. “Your kind heart makes you weak, David. That’s why you’ll never be the man your father was. I still can’t believe they handed the Copperfield Group to you. You don’t deserve it.”
I took a step forward, my presence looming over him. “I’m not here to argue about the past. Tell me how much did my brother pay you to kill Clara?”
Desmond chuckled. “He didn’t have to pay me anything. He’s the reason I’m in this position of power. He gave me everything.”
“Then I’ll strip you of it,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.
“How?” he shot back, his confidence returning. “Don’t forget, I’m a lawyer. I know the system better than anyone.”
“And don’t forget,” I countered, leaning in closer, “I’m David Copperfield. I know you killed Clara, and I’ll make sure you face the consequences. You framed Paul for her murder, but I’ll see to it that you rot in prison.”
Desmond’s smirk faltered, but he quickly masked his fear with defiance. “You can’t prove anything.”
“Can’t I?” I pulled out my phone and pressed play. The bartender’s voice filled the room, recounting every incriminating detail.
Desmond’s face paled.
“That’s better,” I said, smirking. “I hate it when you smile.”
His lips parted, but no words came out.
“Oh, and one more thing,” I added, enjoying the fear creeping into his expression. “Clara’s family has already confessed that you paid them to frame Paul. And then there’s this.” I held up another device. “The CCTV footage of you killing her. Would you like me to play it for you?”
Desmond’s confidence crumbled. Sweat dripped down his temples as he stared at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“Desmond Stefan,” I said, my tone icy, “you shouldn’t have messed with my wife. You could’ve lived your life peacefully, but now it’s over. Your career, your freedom everything. You’ll be joining my brother in prison soon enough.”
He didn’t respond. For the first time, Desmond Stefan was truly afraid.