Chapter 17 - THE PUBLIC FALL FROM GRACE
By noon, courthouse steps in downtown Chicago were jammed with reporters, camera crews, and flashing photography bulbs.
Richard Vance was led out of a black police van in an orange jumpsuit, his head bowed to avoid the blinding light.
The arrogant billionaire who once ruled the social scene looked broken, small, and utterly defeated.
Reporters shoved microphones toward him, shouting questions over the deafening roar of the media mob.
"Mr. Vance! Is it true your wife owns one hundred percent of your corporate empire?" a journalist yelled aggressively.
Richard didn't answer, his eyes fixed on the concrete pavement as federal guards shoved him toward the courthouse entrance.
Across the country, millions of viewers watched the live broadcast from their living rooms and office desks.
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The viral story of the abusive husband stripped of his empire by his brilliant wife became the defining headline of the year.
Evelyn watched the broadcast from a cheap motel television, her hands covering her face as she wept in bitter isolation.
