Chapter 13 - THE DESPERATE BARGAIN
Back in the federal penitentiary, Julian Vance paced frantically inside his ten-by-ten concrete holding cell.
His court-appointed defense attorney sat on the edge of the narrow bunk, looking exhausted and out of his depth.
"There's no way out of this, Julian. The DOJ has over four hundred distinct felony counts stacked against you," the lawyer warned grimly.
"There has to be a deal! Offer them my mother's hidden accounts in Zurich!" Julian pleaded, grabbing the attorney by his lapel.
"Your mother's accounts were seized forty-eight hours ago under emergency asset forfeiture laws," the lawyer replied bluntly.
Julian collapsed onto the metal cot, burying his face in his hands as dry, suffocating sobs racked his frame.
He finally understood what true helplessness felt like—the exact feeling he had inflicted on his wife for years.
"What about Elena?" Julian whispered, his voice cracking with pathetic desperation. "Can we plead for family leniency?"
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"Elena Sterling requested a complete and permanent restraining order this morning, barring you from ever seeing your child again," the lawyer stated.
Julian stared blankly at the gray floor, realizing his bloodline, his fortune, and his freedom were entirely gone forever.
