Chapter 6 - The Golden Trap Snaps
The look on Vincent’s face when Sophia turned on him was worth every sleepless night I had endured over five years. The realization that he had sacrificed his devoted wife for an opportunistic vulture struck him like a physical blow.
""Sophia..."" Vincent stammered, his hands shaking. ""How can you say that? I left Claire in the rain for you. I risked everything to protect your pride.""
""I never asked you to ruin your career, Vincent!"" she sneered, crossing her arms and pointing toward the front door. ""Take your little cardboard box and get out of my house before I call security.""
""Your house?"" Vincent gasped, his voice trembling with disbelief. ""I bought this townhouse! The title is under Apex Global, which I funded!""
""And who is the registered CEO of Apex Global, Vincent?"" Sophia smiled, her voice dripping with venom. ""I am. You put the company entirely in my name to hide it from your wife during the divorce. You gave it to me as a gift. It’s legally mine. Now get out!""
Before Vincent could lunge forward in blind fury, the heavy mahogany front door was kicked wide open.
Four armed federal agents from the Securities and Exchange Commission, flanked by two Chicago police detectives and Alexander Hayes, marched into the foyer.
""Sophia Reynolds? Vincent Moretti?"" the lead investigator barked, displaying a federal search and seizure warrant. ""Step away from each other and keep your hands where we can see them.""
Sophia gasped, dropping her wine glass. It shattered against the Italian marble, dark red liquid pooling around her designer heels. ""What is this?! Do you know who I am?!""
""We know exactly who you are, Miss Reynolds,"" Alexander said smoothly, stepping into the hallway. ""You are the primary recipient of three point four million dollars in stolen corporate funds funneled through Apex Global. The funds originated from the Bennett Trust escrow account.""
""Vincent did it!"" Sophia shrieked instantly, pointing an accusatory finger at him. ""He wired the money! I had nothing to do with it! He forced me to sign those documents! Arrest him!""
Vincent stared at her, utterly broken. The illusion was completely shattered. ""You lying parasite... I gave you everything!""
""Both of you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit grand larceny, wire fraud, and interstate transport of stolen assets,"" the detective said, pulling two pairs of steel handcuffs from his utility belt.
As the cold metal clicked around Vincent’s wrists, his eyes met Alexander’s.
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""Tell Claire..."" Vincent begged, his voice cracking into a broken sob as tears streamed down his cheeks. ""Please, Alexander, tell her I’m sorry. Tell her I made the biggest mistake of my life. I love her. I’ve always loved her.""
Alexander looked down at him with utter disdain. ""Mrs. Bennett doesn't care about your apologies, Vincent. She only cares about justice. Enjoy the federal holding facility.""
