Chapter 10 - THE SUBPOENA DELIVERED

Federal investigators moved swiftly once the financial audit files were officially integrated into the Manhattan district attorney's docket. Two federal marshals walked into Vanessa's downtown apartment building late Tuesday afternoon carrying official court documents.
They knocked firmly on her apartment door until Vanessa unlocked the deadbolt, wearing an oversized silk bathrobe and messy hair. "Vanessa Sterling?" the lead marshal asked, flashing his federal badge before handing her a heavy manila envelope.
Vanessa tore open the envelope, her eyes widening in sheer terror as she read the federal indictment for wire fraud and embezzlement. "Federal indictments? This is insane! My husband is just using his corporate power to persecute me out of spite!" she protested.
"You are required to appear before Judge Harrison at the Manhattan federal courthouse on Monday morning at nine sharp," the marshal instructed. The officers turned around and walked down the hallway, leaving the disgraced socialite trembling in her doorway.
Vanessa realized her wealthy family could no longer shield her from federal felony charges carrying decades of potential prison time. She sank onto her living room floor, hot tears of pure panic streaming down her face as her reality completely crumbled.
Back at the Westchester estate, David received the automated legal notification confirming the federal subpoena's successful delivery. He poured himself a cup of coffee, looking out toward the manicured gardens where his mother sat reading peacefully in the sun.
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The storm was reaching its absolute peak, and justice was preparing to deliver its final, unyielding verdict.
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