Chapter 20
Julian Vance’s face drained of all color as he looked down at the tiny sparkling pendant resting against Emma’s dress.
Four federal agents in sharp dark suits stepped out from behind the museum’s stone pillars, surrounding Vance completely.
“Julian Vance, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion, and corporate espionage,” the lead agent declared.
The glass of scotch slipped from Vance’s hand, shattering against the marble floor in front of dozens of wealthy guests.
“This is an outrage! Do you know who I am?” Vance roared as the agents grabbed his arms and forced them behind his back.
“You’re a man who forgot that housekeepers hear every single secret spoken in high-society rooms,” Emma said quietly.
The museum ballroom erupted into absolute chaos as the city’s most powerful hedge-fund manager was led out in handcuffs.
Photographers from the New York Post snapped dozens of pictures as Vance was pushed into the back of an unmarked police sedan.
William Sterling walked up beside Emma on the museum steps, watching his long-time rival disappear into the night.
“You pulled off an impossible sting operation, Emma,” William said, looking at her with profound admiration.
“We couldn't have done it without Marcus and the FBI team, Mr. Sterling,” Emma replied, taking a deep breath of night air.
“Call me William, Emma,” he requested softly with a warm, genuine smile. “You’ve more than earned that right.”
Ethan ran down the museum steps, throwing his arms around Emma’s waist and hugging her tightly.
“Is it really over now, Emma?” Ethan asked, looking up at her with big, hopeful eyes.
May you like
“Yes, Ethan,” Emma smiled, kneeling down and hugging him back. “The bad people are all gone now.”
They walked down 5th Avenue together as a family, surrounded by the glowing lights of the city that never sleeps.
