Chapter 3
By dawn, the sprawling Hamptons estate was bathed in a pale, unforgiving morning light that exposed every hidden crack in the household. Julian sat at the massive mahogany dining table, reviewing a thick stack of forensic financial audits and wire transfer ledgers.
The documents detailed millions of dollars siphoned out of Vance Industries and funneled into offshore accounts registered in the Cayman Islands. Every single transaction bore the digital signature and authorization codes of one person: Bianca Vance.
Margaret entered the dining room quietly, carrying a silver tray with a cup of hot black coffee and fresh pastries. "Good morning, Julian," Margaret said softly, the mud stain from the previous night now replaced by a faint bruise on her cheek.
"Good morning, Margaret, how are you feeling after last night?" Julian asked, his expression softening with genuine warmth. "I am surviving, Julian, but that woman is dangerous; she has been searching your private study for weeks," Margaret warned cautiously.
Julian took a sip of his coffee, his eyes fixed on the financial printouts with absolute cold determination. "She won't have access to my study or anything else after today, Margaret," Julian promised steadily.
Just then, the sound of designer heels clicking sharply against the hardwood foyer floor announced Bianca’s dramatic entrance. She wore a pristine white Chanel pantsuit, her dark hair styled into an immaculate, razor-sharp ponytail.
She walked into the dining room as if nothing had happened the night before, carrying herself with supreme arrogance. "Good morning, darling," Bianca purred smoothly, pulling out the chair directly opposite Julian.
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"Save the performance, Bianca, we have guests arriving in twenty minutes," Julian stated without looking up from his papers. Bianca froze, her hand hovering over the silver coffee pot as a flicker of unease crossed her features.
"Guests? What guests at this hour on a Sunday morning?" Bianca asked, her voice tight with suspicion. Two federal marshals in dark suits stepped silently through the double doors, flanked by Julian’s chief corporate counsel.
