Chapter 14 - THE DAWN RAIDThe federal courthouse in Foley Square was packed to the gills.

By 9:00 AM, flashbulbs blinded the stone steps as Sebastian and I walked hand-in-hand through the massive oak doors. Behind us walked Clarissa Hart, carrying the leather-bound binder like a sword of execution.

Inside Courtroom 302, Arthur Vale sat at the defense table. He looked smug, flanked by three high-priced corporate attorneys who whispered confidently into his ear. When he saw Sebastian and me walk in, a cruel smirk touched his lips. He clearly thought the fix was still in.

Judge Sterling banged his gavel, his face grave.

“We are here for an emergency injunction regarding the asset freeze of the Vance-Vale maritime holdings,” Judge Sterling announced, adjusting his glasses. “Counsel for Mr. Arthur Vale, you may proceed.”

Arthur’s lead attorney stood up, smoothing his tie. “Your Honor, the plaintiff, Maya Vance, has presented fraudulent genealogical claims. The assets in question rightfully belong to the Vale Foundation—!”

“Objection, Your Honor,” a calm, razor-sharp voice echoed from the gallery.

Everyone turned. Stepping forward from the back of the courtroom was Jonathan Vance—a legendary federal prosecutor and distant cousin of my late grandfather whom Clarissa had secretly contacted the night before.

“On what grounds, Mr. Vance?” the judge asked, raising an eyebrow.

“On the grounds of active judicial tampering, bribery, and newly discovered physical evidence,” Jonathan said, walking right up to the bench and handing up Clarissa’s leather binder. “We have proof that the defendant, Arthur Vale, conspired with a compromised district judge to illegally freeze these assets this morning—and we have the original 35-year-old trust deed proving systematic corporate theft.”

Arthur’s attorney stumbled backward, his face turning pale. “Your Honor, this is an ambush! We demand time to review—!”

“Motion denied,” Judge Sterling slammed his gavel down so hard the sound reverberated through the mahogany walls. He opened the binder, his eyes scanning the signed confession and the original trust deed.

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When the judge finally looked up, his gaze locked directly onto Arthur Vale.

“Mr. Arthur Vale,” the judge’s voice was like falling ice. “You are ordered into immediate federal custody without bail, pending trial for securities fraud, judicial bribery, and grand larceny. Court is adjourned.”