Chapter 9
The following morning, the front pages of every major American financial newspaper blared screaming headline news.
VANCE HOLDINGS COLLAPSES UNDER FEDERAL FRAUD INVESTIGATION AS BILLIONAIRE ARTHUR STERLING CUTS ALL TIES.
Paparazzi and news vans swarmed the sidewalk outside the Manhattan penthouse, flashing blinding camera lights against the windows.
Inside, Ethan stood in the center of the devastated living room, wearing the same creased light grey suit from the hospital.
His hair was disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and his arrogant demeanor was completely gone.
Eleanor sat rigidly on the sofa, refusing to look at the door as two federal marshals stepped forward with steel handcuffs.
"Ethan Vance, you are under formal arrest for corporate embezzlement, wire fraud, and securities tampering," the lead marshal announced.
Ethan didn't resist; his arms hung limply at his sides as the cold steel cuffs snapped tightly around his wrists.
"Where is my wife... where is Clara?" Ethan mumbled pathetically as he was hauled toward the private elevator.
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"Your ex-wife is currently residing at her father's estate, Mr. Vance," the marshal replied with utter contempt.
"And she filed for sole custody and a total restraining order at eight o'clock this morning."
