CHAPTER 4: The Unraveling of Power
The heavy wooden doors of the ballroom swung open. Four federal agents in suits walked in, accompanied by officers from the Newport Police Department. The sight of federal badges sent a shockwave through the room.
Victoria straightened her spine, pulling her dark sapphire velvet gown tight around her shoulders. She raised her head, attempting to summon the terrifying authority that had intimidated Wall Street executives for decades.
"This is an outrage!" Victoria declared. "Do you know who I am? I am the chairman of the Vance Foundation! I host senators in this house!"
The lead agent, a stern man named Agent Carter, pulled out a warrant. "Victoria Vance, you are under federal investigation for corporate fraud, grand larceny, and obstruction of justice related to the estate of Julian Vance."
"Fraud?!" Richard exclaimed, turning to his mother in utter shock. "Mother, what is he talking about? You said the foundation was fully audited!"
Evelyn walked up to Richard, her eyes softening slightly. Richard had always been weak, dominated by his mother, but he wasn't inherently evil. "Richard, she stole from you, too. She transferred fifty million dollars from your inheritance into offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands to cover up the debts from her failed real estate deals in Miami."
"That's a lie!" Victoria screamed, her voice losing all aristocratic polish, turning harsh and desperate. "I built this empire! I did everything for this family!"
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"You did everything for yourself," Evelyn said coldly. "And you used my innocent daughter as a scapegoat because her existence reminded you of Julian's defiance."
Agent Carter stepped forward, handcuffing Victoria. The metallic click echoed across the silent room. The sight of the ruthless matriarch in handcuffs was a moment no one present would ever forget.
