Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Triumph and Temptation

The elevator ride to the penthouse felt like an eternity. Sophia stood between Ethan and a team of FBI agents, her heart pounding in her chest. As the doors opened, they were met with an eerie silence.

"FBI! Marcus Blackwood, we have a warrant for your arrest!" Ethan's voice echoed through the opulent space.

For a moment, there was no response. Then, a familiar chuckle emanated from the study. "Well, well. I must say, I'm impressed, Sophia. You've come a long way from the naive girl I plucked from obscurity."

Sophia and Ethan exchanged glances before cautiously moving towards the study. As they entered, they found Marcus sitting behind his desk, looking unnervingly calm.

"It's over, Marcus," Sophia said, her voice steady. "We have everything. The offshore accounts, the shell companies, the bribes. All of it."