CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX - Setting Up the Sting

For a moment, it seemed Hartley might break free. But then another agent tackled him from behind, and he went down hard. Within seconds, he was in handcuffs, spitting curses as he was dragged away. Claire stood there, shaking, as the chaos swirled around her. She felt a gentle hand on her arm and turned to see Mason, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, pulling her into a tight embrace. Claire nodded, burying her face in his chest. "It worked," she whispered. "We got him." As they left the restaurant, Claire saw Hartley being loaded into an FBI vehicle. Their eyes met for a moment, and she saw the rage and defeat in his gaze. She knew that this was just the beginning – Hartley's arrest would lead to more investigations, more arrests, and hopefully, the dismantling of the entire corrupt network. Exhausted but relieved, Claire leaned against Mason as they walked to their car. The worst might be over, but she knew there were still challenges ahead. There would be t