Her sharp face instantly emptied of blood.

Julian let out a short, ugly, desperate laugh. “You honestly think cutting off my money scares me, Eleanor? I have sitting circuit judges on my speed dial.

I have state senators eating out of my hand. I have donors who—”

The heavy oak door didn’t just open; it violently exploded inward, rebounding off the drywall with a thunderous crack.

Three federal agents in dark tactical windbreakers stormed into the cramped ultrasound suite.

“HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS!” the lead agent roared, her voice shattering the sterile peace. “DR. JULIAN THORNE, KEEP YOUR HANDS EXACTLY WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM!”