Chapter 9
The following morning, national news networks broke the shocking story of the Sterling estate raid and the arrest of its patriarch.
Financial markets reacted instantly, driving down Sterling Corporation stock values as federal regulators launched an emergency audit.
Inside a secure federal holding facility in downtown Washington, Arthur Sterling sat across from his high-priced defense attorney in silence.
"Arthur, the DOJ has us dead to rights; the military cyber division intercepted the original birth registry files before you could purge them," his lawyer warned.
"Find a plea deal, then; I want immunity from the treason charges, or I take half the cabinet down with me in court," Arthur demanded harshly.
"Immunity is off the table when you tamper with classified witness protection files," the lawyer stated bluntly, packing his briefcase.
Arthur stared at the stainless steel table, realizing that his empire of lies had turned into an unbreakable concrete prison cell.
Back at the estate, Sarah and Robert prepared for their formal debriefing with the Pentagon's internal affairs command.
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They dressed in their immaculate forest green military dress uniforms, ensuring every brass button and ribbon was perfectly aligned.
Before walking out the front door, Sarah paused to look at the framed US flag resting proudly on the mantelpiece above the crackling fireplace.
