Chapter 8 - The Price of Treason
The legal counsel for Ashford Global stood up, opening a folder stamped with the seal of the United States Attorney’s Office.
"Mr. Ashford, federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into wire fraud, corporate embezzlement, and tax evasion regarding those transfers."
Nathaniel’s eyes widened in sheer terror as he realized the magnitude of the legal avalanche crashing down upon his head.
He turned toward his mother, but Margaret was already weeping into her hands, unable to offer him a shred of protection.
"Evelyn... please," Nathaniel croaked, taking a step toward me with his hands outstretched like a beggar.
"I was stupid! Vanessa seduced me! She told me she was carrying my child, but I don't even know if it's mine!"
The door to the boardroom opened, and Vanessa herself walked in, escorted by two building security officers.
She wasn't wearing her emerald gown; she wore a simple sweater, and her face was flushed with frantic desperation.
"Nathaniel, they froze the account!" Vanessa yelled, completely ignoring the room full of board members.
"The debit card was declined at the clinic! They won't let me leave the apartment in Gold Coast!"
"Get away from me, you gold-digging parasite!" Nathaniel screamed, turning on her with venomous hatred.
"You ruined my life! If you hadn't demanded that public announcement, Evelyn never would have contacted the trustee!"
"You wanted to announce it, Nathaniel!" Vanessa shrieked back, tears of fury streaming down her face.
"You wanted to rub her face in the dirt because your fragile ego couldn't handle her quiet dignity!"
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I raised one hand, and the security officers immediately stepped between the warring lovers, silencing the room in an instant.
"Take them both down to the lobby where the federal agents are waiting," I said, my voice cold, measured, and final.
