Chapter 15 - Veronica Is Handcuffed And Escorted Past Press Crews
The next morning, news vans and aggressive tabloid journalists clogged the courthouse steps in downtown Los Angeles.
Flashbulbs illuminated the crisp morning air as federal marshals escorted Valerie Vance toward the glass entrance doors.
Her hair was unbrushed, her face bare of makeup, and her hands locked tightly inside heavy steel handcuffs.
“Valerie! Is it true your father is fugitive Uncle Richard?” shouted a reporter, shoving a microphone into her face.
“Did you really try to poison Martha Vance to steal the corporate trust fund?!” another journalist yelled aggressively.
Valerie shielded her face with her cuffed hands, screaming obscenities at the camera crews as marshals shoved her forward.
“Get those cameras away from me! You’ll all pay for this! My family owns this city!” she shrieked hysterically.
The heavy glass courthouse doors swung open, swallowing her up into the sterile security screening area of the federal building.
Her grand ambition of ruling the Vance empire ended in disgrace, televised live across every major American news network.
Inside the Bel-Air estate, David watched the broadcast on the kitchen television while sipping his morning coffee.
“She’s still screaming that her father is going to rescue her, even after federal agents proved he’s locked up,” David noted.
“Delusion is the final refuge of the guilty, David; let the courts handle her theatrical outbursts,” Martha advised calmly.
Arthur Sterling walked into the kitchen carrying the final corporate restructuring folders ready for executive signing.
“Morning, Martha, David. The federal judge denied all of Valerie’s bail motions; she’s staying in custody until trial,” Arthur reported.
“Excellent work, Arthur. Let’s get these papers signed so we can put this unpleasant business behind us once and for all,” Martha said.
David took the golden executive pen from Arthur’s hand, signing his name with a steady, unyielding stroke.
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The Vance industrial empire was officially secured, protected by truth, justice, and an unbreakable mother-son alliance.
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