Chapter 20 - UNMASKING THE PATRIARCH
Inside the dimly lit inner vault room, Julian Vance sat in his motorized wheelchair beside an open safe deposit box.
Victoria stood over a metal trash can, frantically striking matches in a desperate attempt to ignite a stack of documents.
The fire-resistant parchment refused to burn, merely scorching along the edges as police floodlights illuminated the vault.
"Drop the matches, Victoria! Hands behind your head immediately!" Agent Miller shouted, raising his service weapon.
Victoria dropped the silver matchbox, her shoulders slumping in complete defeat as federal marshals moved in with handcuffs.
Julian Vance slowly turned his wheelchair around, his cold grey eyes locking onto Clara and baby Maya with bitter hatred.
"You think you’ve won, you little commoner?" Julian rasped, his breathing heavy through his dark oxygen tubes.
"You are nothing... a temporary maid who tricked my foolish brother into a fake marriage!" Julian spat vile venom.
Mr. Cole stepped in front of Julian, pulling a certified marriage certificate from his coat pocket and opening it wide.
"This certificate was validated by the State Supreme Court three hours ago, Julian," Mr. Cole stated with cold satisfaction.
"Clara Bennett Vance is the legal widow of Richard Vance, and Maya Vance is the sole ninety-percent shareholder of Vance Enterprises."
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"And as of five minutes ago, the board of directors has voted to strip you of all corporate authority," Cole added.
***
