Chapter 26 - THE DISTANT ECHO
Thousands of miles away in a federal holding facility, Richard Vance sat alone in a sterile, fluorescent-lit cell.
His tailored suit was gone, replaced by a standard-issue orange jumpsuit that hung loosely on his frame.
He stared blankly at the concrete block wall, replaying the moment on the graduation stage when he raised his hand against his daughter.
He finally understood the profound cost of his arrogance, realizing that true power was never measured in dollars or corporate control.
He had lost his family, his empire, and his dignity because he refused to listen to the truth.
A prison guard banged his nightstick against the metal bars of the cell block, signaling the end of recreation hour.
Richard stood up slowly, his shoulders slumped in permanent defeat as he walked out into the dim hallway.
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The world outside continued to spin without him, governed by laws he could no longer manipulate or corrupt.
Justice had arrived, steady and unyielding, just like the country whose flag waved proudly over the courthouse steps.
