Chapter 8 - Ethan Rushes Out Followed By Whispering Relatives
Driven by a desperate need for answers, Ethan sprinted down the aisle and burst through the heavy cathedral doors into the sunlight.
The parking lot was packed with luxury sedans and news vans, their satellite dishes pointed skyward while reporters swarmed the area.
“Mr. Sterling! Over here! Is it true your family empire is facing bankruptcy charges?” a female reporter shouted, thrusting a mic forward.
Ethan ignored the flashing camera bulbs, ducking his head low as he pushed through the media pack toward his black SUV.
His mother and father trailed closely behind him, shielded by two private bodyguards hired for the wedding ceremony.
“Get in the vehicle, Ethan! We need to reach our legal team before the asset freeze locks our personal accounts,” his father ordered.
Ethan unlocked the SUV with his key fob, diving into the driver's seat and slamming the door shut to block out the noise.
He turned the ignition key, watching through the rearview mirror as reporters continued snapping pictures of their disgraced retreat.
“Where is Hailey now?” Ethan muttered angrily, gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned completely white.
“Forget about that girl, Ethan... we have bigger problems with the federal grand jury convening tomorrow morning,” his mother stressed.
Ethan shifted into reverse, peeling out of the parking lot at high speed while dodging a local news van blocking the exit.
The drive back to the Sterling family estate in the suburbs was conducted in a heavy, suffocating silence filled with dread.
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As they pulled through the wrought-iron gates of their mansion, Ethan noticed a federal black-and-white cruiser parked by the fountain.
***
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