Chapter 7 - Justice Falls
The heavy wooden doors of the boardroom swung open once more, and a squad of uniformed federal agents entered the room, handcuffs gleaming under the recessed lighting.
Victoria attempted to bolt toward the side executive exit, but Marcus Kane stepped smoothly into her path, his towering frame blocking her escape. “Victoria Vance, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, corporate embezzlement, and attempted poisoning,” the lead federal agent announced, securing the steel cuffs around her wrists with a sharp, metallic click.
Victoria began weeping hysterically, the veneer of high-society elegance peeling away into ugly, frantic pleas. “Julian, please! It was Richard! He forced me! He threatened to ruin my career! Julian, look at me! I loved you!”
Julian didn't look at her. His gaze remained fixated on Richard, who stood trembling against the wall, clutching his chest as if struggling to breathe.
“Why, Richard?” Julian asked, his voice cracking with a pain that wealth could never soothe. “I gave you everything. I funded your dreams, covered your debts, loved you like a son after Mom and Dad died. Why Clara? Why my child?”
Richard looked up, his face contorting into a sneer born of lifelong resentment. “Because you were always the golden child, Julian!” he spat, tears of rage spilling down his cheeks. “Every room you walked into, everyone bowed! I was tired of living in your shadow, waiting for your table scraps! You had the money, the empire, the perfect wife... I wanted to see you lose it all! I wanted you to rot in that chair while I ran the world!”
“You will never see the world again, Richard,” Julian said with icy finality. “Take them away.”
The federal agents marched Richard and Victoria out through the executive lobby, where a swarm of press photographers—tipped off by Marcus—were waiting. Flashes exploded in a relentless frenzy as the fallen socialites were escorted in chains toward waiting patrol vehicles.
Julian stood at the head of the boardroom table, the silence settling heavily around him. The board members sat in stunned, respectful silence, looking at their chief executive with renewed reverence.
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“Ladies and gentlemen,” Julian announced, turning toward the room. “Today, Sterling Enterprises closes the darkest chapter in its history. I am dissolving our contracts with all affiliated holding companies, donating fifty percent of our corporate reserve to neurological research and child protection foundations, and creating an independent oversight council.” Julian placed his hands on the table, standing strong and unyielding. “Meeting adjourned.”
Without waiting for their response, Julian turned and walked briskly out of the boardroom, eager to leave the cold marble and corporate greed behind. He had only one destination in mind.
