Chapter 10
Arthur Sterling stood on the steps of the Manhattan federal courthouse, flanked by a dozen expensive defense attorneys. Microphones from every major American news network thrust toward him as he flashed an arrogant, media-trained smile.
"The federal government's seizure of my international assets is an illegal act of economic tyranny!" Arthur proclaimed loudly. "I have filed an emergency injunction to halt these unconstitutional actions immediately," Arthur lied to the reporters.
Across the street, parked inside a tinted black SUV, Chloe and Harrison watched the broadcast on a live tablet screen. "Let him dig his own grave before we drop the final hammer," Harrison advised calmly.
Arthur continued his rant, accusing the Vance family of orchestrating a malicious corporate conspiracy against him. "Chloe Vance is a bitter, unstable divorcée using her father's military rank to steal my lawful investments!" Arthur shouted.
Right at that exact second, federal marshals stepped out of the courthouse doors carrying stamped federal arrest warrants. Prosecutor Harrison walked down the steps, holding a red-ribboned dossier directly in front of Arthur's face.
"Arthur Sterling, you are hereby placed under arrest for international money laundering and treason," Harrison announced clearly. Gasps erupted through the press corps as live cameras zoomed in on the steel handcuffs clicking around Arthur's wrists.
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Arthur's arrogant smile dissolved instantly into a pale mask of shock, horror, and absolute disbelief. "You can't do this! I'm an American citizen! I demand my lawyer!" Arthur screamed hysterically as marshals dragged him away.
Chloe watched the spectacle through the SUV window, feeling a profound wave of closure wash over her soul.
