Chapter 303 Chapter 303

Chapter 303 Chapter 303
Chapter 303

Isabelle reached into her coat pocket on the nearby chair and pulled out the small, metallic flash drive. She held it out to Ethan, sitting beside him on the edge of the mattress. "I brought this back from France," she said softly, placing the cold metal drive directly into his palm. "I managed to take it from Sam’s safe before everything went down. Everything is in here, Ethan."

Agent Miller walked into the bedroom moments later carrying a sleek black laptop, setting it down on the small desk near the foot of the bed. She plugged the metallic drive into the side USB port, bringing up a neatly organized folder filled with scanned documents, bank receipts, and personal audio files.

Maria and Ariana stepped closer, standing behind Agent Miller’s shoulders while Ethan leaned forward from the bed, his wooden cane resting against his knee. Even if the truth hurt, they knew Ethan needed to see the full scope of his childhood friend's betrayal with his own eyes.

Agent Miller clicked on the first set of financial records. Thick wire transfers appeared across the screen, detailing millions of dollars moving from Sam’s offshore accounts directly to the former university dean. The documents clearly showed how Sam had paid massive bribes to cover up evidence, fabricate disciplinary reports, and push Ethan out of his academic standing years ago.

Next came the digital journal entries and recorded voice memos. Agent Miller hit play on an audio clip. Sam’s distinct, casual voice filled the room, talking bitterly about how he had always resented Ethan, how he hated living in Ethan's shadow since they were kids, and how he had meticulously planned Isabelle’s fake suicide two years ago just to break Ethan completely.

Ethan sat staring at the glowing screen, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists in his lap. He didn't scream or throw anything, but his jaw locked tight as every single piece of Sam’s fake loyalty crumbled before his eyes. Seeing the cold, calculated proof of a man he used to call a brother planning his complete destruction left him in absolute silence.

Agent Miller closed the laptop screen gently and looked around the room. “This is more than enough to put Sam away for life, along with anyone who took his money. Federal prosecutors are already preparing the warrants based on these files.”

Ethan stared at the closed laptop, still taking in everything they had just uncovered. After everything Sam had done, knowing there was finally enough evidence to hold him accountable brought a sense of relief, even if the situation was far from over.

Miller leaned back slightly. “The files give us a clear picture of what he’s been involved in. The financial records, the names, the transactions—we have enough to start moving against all of them.”

Isabelle looked at him. “So there’s no way they’ll get away with it?”

Miller shook his head. “Not this time.”

Maria wiped a tear from her cheek, turning away from the desk to look at Ariana, who was standing quietly near the corner of the room. Maria stepped over and took both of Ariana’s hands into hers, holding them tightly.

"You saved Isabelle two years ago when no one else knew she was still out there," Maria said, her voice full of raw emotion as she looked into Ariana's eyes. "And you helped my son get to Europe to bring her home. You didn't have to risk anything for this family, but you did."

Ariana shook her head slightly, giving a humble smile as she looked at Maria. “I just did what was right, Mrs. Castellan.”

Maria shook her head, refusing to accept that answer. She squeezed Ariana’s hands even tighter, her eyes filled with warmth and gratitude.

“No,” Maria insisted. “You are now part of this family, Ariana. You will always have a place with us, no matter what happens.”

Ariana’s smile softened. She looked down for a moment, clearly touched by Maria’s words.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Maria gave her hands another gentle squeeze.

“You don’t have to thank me. You earned your place here.”

Ariana looked back at her, her eyes slightly glossy. She nodded quietly, letting Maria’s words sink in.

Maria pulled Ariana into a warm, tight hug, holding her close as if she wanted to give her all the comfort she could. Ariana immediately wrapped her arms around Maria’s back, holding on tightly and resting her chin on her shoulder. For a few moments, neither of them said a word.

Isabelle, Ethan, and Agent Miller stood nearby, watching the emotional moment in silence. No one wanted to interrupt them. Maria gently rubbed Ariana’s back, letting her stay in the hug for as long as she needed. Ariana closed her eyes, taking a slow breath as she held on to Maria.

Isabelle walked back over to Ethan, sitting beside him on the bed and gently wrapping her hand around his clenched fist. She gave it a small squeeze, trying to reassure him without saying anything. Ethan took a deep breath, his eyes still fixed on the laptop screen before he slowly looked up toward Agent Miller. For a moment, he said nothing, waiting for Miller to speak.