CHAPTER 4
Special Agent Marcus Vance stepped past the blocked doorway, his polished leather shoes clicking rhythmically against the stone as he approached the center of the ballroom. He held a thick federal warrant bearing the official seal of the United States District Court for financial fraud and conspiracy.
"Vanessa Vance, you are formally detained on multiple federal felony counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and child abuse," Agent Vance announced clearly. Vanessa let out a feral shriek of rage, thrashing violently as two female federal marshals grabbed her arms and snapped heavy steel cuffs around her wrists.
"This is a setup! Richard orchestrated this to steal my prenuptial settlement!" she screamed, kicking her designer stiletto heels against the marble floor as she was dragged away. The elite crowd parted instantly, watching the disgraced socialite vanish in absolute disgrace without a single person offering her sympathy.
Richard didn’t even glance back at her as she disappeared down the grand hallway, keeping his focus entirely on soothing his terrified daughter. He handed Chloe over to Evelyn, the fiercely loyal head housekeeper who had rushed into the ballroom with a warm cashmere blanket.
"Take her up to the penthouse suite, Evelyn, and have the private physician examine her immediately," Richard instructed gently. "I will be upstairs as soon as I finish addressing our esteemed guests."
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Evelyn nodded solemnly, wrapping the soft blanket around the little girl and carrying her swiftly toward the private elevators away from the chaotic scene. Richard turned back to the stunned crowd, his expression hardening into a mask of pure corporate vengeance.
"The party is officially over," Richard announced to the silent room, his voice dripping with unmistakable menace. "And for those of you who supported Vanessa's little stunt tonight, expect a visit from my legal team by Monday morning."
