Chapter 3 - The Cold Shadows Of Palm Beach
Victoria tried to summon her usual haughty demeanor, adjusting the gold buttons on her crimson blazer with shaking fingers.
"This is private property, Agent Vance," Victoria stammered, stepping back toward her private security detail.
"You have no jurisdiction inside the Grand Palms Resort without a signed warrant from the Southern District of Florida."
Elena reached inside her dirtied navy trousers, pulling out a sealed satellite drive stamped with the seal of the Department of Justice.
"This drive was signed by the Chief Federal Judge in West Palm Beach twenty minutes ago, Victoria," Elena revealed flatly.
"It authorizes the immediate seizure of every asset, server, and private vehicle registered to the Grand Palms Hospitality Group."
Marcus looked at Victoria, his face draining of color as he realized the full scope of the catastrophe unfolding before him.
"Victoria, what did you do?" Marcus demanded, his voice cracking with sudden, overwhelming panic.
"You told me the offshore accounts were completely clean! You swore the Treasury Department cleared the wire transfers!"
Victoria glared at Marcus with pure venom, her sleek dark updo shifting as she took a defensive step toward the security doors.
"Shut your mouth, Marcus!" Victoria snapped, her voice echoing off the marble columns and the large American flag hanging nearby.
"If I go down, every silent partner on Wall Street goes down with me, including your father's hedge fund!"
Elena signaled to the two US Marshals, who immediately drew their sidearms and moved to flank the resort owner.
May you like
"Victoria Vance," Elena declared smoothly, "you are being placed under federal custody for high treason and attempted assassination."
"Take her to the federal holding facility in downtown Miami," Elena ordered the Marshals, her hazel eyes unblinking.
