CHAPTER 6
By the following morning, the news of the Whitmore empire's collapse sent massive shockwaves through the elite social circles of Bel-Air and Manhattan.
On the flat-screen television mounted in Claire’s private hospital suite, news anchors were broadcasting live coverage from outside the $15 million Beverly Hills estate.
Federal agents and IRS officers were seen carrying dozens of box files out the front doors while Grant, Bernice, and Vanessa were led out in heavy steel handcuffs.
Reporters screamed questions as the disgraced real estate heir was shoved into the back of an unmarked federal sedan, his tuxedo replaced by a bright orange jumpsuit.
"The Whitmore Family Trust has been completely liquidated under federal asset forfeiture laws," the news reporter announced excitedly. "All remaining corporate assets have been transferred to an anonymous trustee."
Claire turned off the television, a cold, satisfying sense of justice washing through her veins as she rested her head back against the pillows.
The heavy suite doors opened quietly, and Mateo entered carrying a large bouquet of fresh white lilies and a thick stack of finalized legal documents.
"Grant’s bail was denied by the magistrate this morning," Mateo informed her, setting the flowers on the nightstand beside her bed. "He is facing thirty years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole."
"And Vanessa?" Claire asked, her thumb gently tracing her baby boy's soft cheek.
"She was arrested as an accomplice to wire fraud and grand theft," Mateo replied with a dark smile. "She is currently occupying a holding cell in downtown Los Angeles."
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He pulled out a fountain pen, laying the thick stack of legal documents across her lap with a soft, respectful gesture.
"These are the final custody papers and the deed to the Bel-Air estate," Mateo said softly. "Everything has been legally transferred into your name and your son's trust."
