Chapter 8 - THE PRESS BLITZ
By 6:00 AM the following morning, news trucks with satellite dishes lined the street outside the East Hampton police precinct.
Headlines across major national news networks blared the shocking story: Vanderbilt Matriarch Arrested for Felony Assault at Gala.
Clara walked out of the private entrance of the precinct wearing a sleek navy trench coat over her silk blouse, holding David Vance's arm.
Her brown hair was tied in an elegant bun, and a small flesh-colored bandage covered her torn earlobe with dignified restraint.
Microphones were thrust toward her face as reporters shouted frantically over the flash of camera bulbs.
"Mrs. Vance! Are you pressing charges against your mother-in-law?" a senior news correspondent shouted above the din.
Clara paused on the concrete steps, looking directly into the primary news camera with breathtaking, calm composure.
"I believe in accountability, regardless of wealth, status, or family name," Clara stated clearly into the microphones.
"The Vanderbilt family will fully cooperate with law enforcement and financial auditors," she added before stepping into a black town car.
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Inside the precinct cell, Eleanor watched the live broadcast on a small wall monitor, screaming in rage as her reputation crumbled forever.
***
