Chapter 7 - The Secret in the Safe
Evelyn reached into the small concealed pocket of her crimson gown and retrieved her personal smartphone.
She dialed a private number that she kept reserved only for the family's senior estate attorney.
"Arthur, freeze every single account associated with Mercer Holdings immediately," Evelyn spoke clearly into the speaker.
Julian’s eyes widened in sudden terror as he realized his financial lifeline was being severed in real time.
"Cancel the power of attorney paperwork we filed yesterday morning, and revoke all guest credentials for Julian Vance," she added.
Arthur's voice boomed through the high-end speaker, loud enough for nearby guests to hear every syllable.
"Understood, Evelyn, and I have urgent news that just arrived from our forensic auditor thirty minutes ago," Arthur reported.
"Julian Vance’s investment firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware three weeks ago," the lawyer revealed.
"He is currently under federal investigation for embezzling over forty million dollars from pension funds," Arthur continued.
"The marriage today was his sole strategy to liquidate your late husband’s trust to satisfy his debt," Arthur concluded.
Murmurs exploded through the ballroom like an angry swarm of hornets.
Julian’s wealthy acquaintances immediately pulled back, whispering among themselves and shaking their heads in disgust.
"You bastard," Evelyn whispered, feeling sick to her stomach at how close she had come to utter ruin.
Julian gritted his teeth, his veneer of sophistication completely stripped away by the truth.
"You think you’re so smart, Evelyn, but you were completely blind to every red flag!" Julian spat bitterly.
"You were desperate for a man to run your empire, and you welcomed me with open arms!" he mocked sneeringly.
"I brought you into my home to share a life, not to rob my child!" Evelyn shouted back fiercely.
She turned to Marcus, her commanding aura dominating the entire mansion ballroom.
"Marcus, search his private quarters in the east wing right now," Evelyn ordered with unwavering certainty.
"Check the wall safe behind the mahogany portrait, and bring down whatever files you find inside," she instructed.
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Julian lunged forward in panic, screaming, "You have no right! That is private property!"
Marcus twisted Julian’s arm effortlessly behind his back, forcing him down against the shattered table once again.
