Chapter 2
The lead federal marshal stopped directly in front of Vanessa, flashing his gold badge with mechanical efficiency. "Vanessa Sterling, you are being detained under federal warrants for corporate espionage and financial wire fraud," the officer announced.
The wedding guests gasped collectively, several prominent socialites stepping back as if association alone was contagious. Vanessa tried to lift her chin in defiance, but her hands shook uncontrollably at her sides.
"This is a mistake! My family built the legal foundations of this entire state!" Vanessa screamed in sudden panic. "Your family's offshore accounts were frozen by a federal judge thirty minutes ago," the marshal stated flatly.
Two agents stepped forward, securing steel handcuffs around Vanessa's wrists with a sharp, definitive click. They escorted her past the rows of stunned wedding guests, her emerald green velvet gown sweeping the floor in disgrace.
Ethan watched her departure without a trace of pity, pulling Claire closer against his side with protective devotion. "The transition of power is complete, my love," Ethan whispered softly into Claire's ear.
May you like
Claire nodded, smoothing down the soft fabric of her blush pink lace wedding gown with absolute grace. "The hardest part is over; now we reclaim everything they tried to steal from us," Claire replied quietly.
The ambient music slowly resumed, signaling to the crowd that the celebration would continue under unshakeable new leadership.
