Chapter 3
Harrison walked past the trembling couple, stopping directly in front of the framed US flag that dominated the room's corner. He reached out, his calloused fingers gently tracing the golden fringe of the banner as he contemplated their inevitable ruin.
"Do you know what happens to individuals who abuse military families under federal jurisdiction?" Harrison asked without turning around. Julian swallowed hard, his throat dry and constcheted as he realized the catastrophic extent of his legal exposure.
"We haven't committed any federal offenses; this is a local civil matter at best!" Beatrice argued with rising hysteria. Harrison slowly turned back to face them, his expression hardening into an impenetrable mask of absolute judicial certainty.
"Your corporate conglomerate receives federal defense contracts, Beatrice, which means your corporate books are now subject to immediate audit," Harrison noted. Chloe walked over to the mahogany coffee table, picking up her sleek black smartphone and unlocking the encrypted interface.
"I've already transferred all the offshore ledger files to Prosecutor Harrison at the Department of Justice," Chloe stated calmly. Beatrice gasped, clutching her chest as if she had been physically struck by an invisible, crushing blow.
"You recorded our financial transactions? You treacherous little ingrate!" Beatrice screamed, lunging forward with clawed hands. The two military police officers intercepted her instantly, pinning her arms behind her back with mechanical precision.
"Unhand me right now! Do you know who my associates are in Washington?" Beatrice shrieked, thrashing against the restraint. "Associates who are currently being fitted for orange jumpsuits as we speak," Harrison answered with supreme indifference.
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Julian dropped to his knees on the Persian rug, weeping openly as his entire life's work vanished into thin air. "Chloe, please, drop the charges; I'll sign over every single asset, just don't let them take me away," Julian begged miserably.
Chloe looked down at her husband with cold pity, her eyes reflecting the glowing lights of the American city outside.
