Chapter 5 - The Corporate ArrestThe flash of camera phones replaced the gentle glow of the string quartet.
Before Arthur could recover his balance, two federal marshals stepped forward, sliding heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists with a sharp, echoing click.
“Arthur Sterling, you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, securities manipulation, and obstruction of justice,” Agent Vance announced cleanly, reading the corporate mogul his Miranda rights as flashbulbs blinded the room.
“No! This is a setup! You can't do this to me! I built this city!” Arthur roared, thrashing wildly as he was hauled backward toward the grand exit, his designer tuxedo jacket dragging across the pristine white carpet.
Vivienne burst into hysterical, uncontrollable sobs, sinking to her knees in her coral pink designer dress right beside the dessert table where her entire social standing had just disintegrated.
“Daddy! Help me! What do I do?!” she wailed, reaching out a manicured hand that nobody reached back to take.
Marisol walked over, stopping two feet away from the weeping socialite. She looked down at Vivienne with quiet, unyielding professionalism.
“You might want to call a good criminal defense attorney, Ms. Sterling,” Marisol advised evenly. “Obstruction of justice and tampering with federal evidence carry a maximum sentence of twenty years. That should give you plenty of time to rethink how you treat people who carry silver trays.”
With a final, dismissive turn, Marisol signaled her team.
May you like
“Wrap up the evidence collection,” Marisol ordered. “Let’s clear the ballroom. This charity gala is officially adjourned.”
Within ten minutes, the grand ballroom was entirely empty of wealthy donors, panicked socialites, and corrupt real estate barons. The crystal chandeliers still burned bright overhead, but the illusion of untouchable perfection was gone forever, replaced by the cold, unyielding reality of federal law.
