Chapter 7 - THE RECKONINGThe flashing blue and red lights of local police cruisers painted the marble pillars of Sterling Manor in an eerie, pulsing glow. A pair of city detectives walked into the grand foyer, their notebooks open.
Arthur Vance spoke briefly with the lead detective, handing over the hard drives containing the pristine, unedited security footage and the complete financial audit of Julian’s illegal shell corporations.
"Take him away," the detective instructed, gesturing to the guards.
Julian was hauled to his feet. As they dragged him past Eleanor, who sat curled up in a fetal position on the sofa, he didn't even look at her. He kept his head down, the silver steel of the handcuffs catching the porch light as he was led out into the freezing night air and shoved into the back of a police wagon.
Eleanor didn't move. Her million-dollar lifestyle, her socialite status, her grand mansion—everything she had built her identity upon had vanished into thin air in a matter of minutes. The bank had already notified her via automated text message that all joint accounts were frozen due to federal seizure orders.
Arthur turned his attention back to Maria, who was quietly folding her canvas tote bag, preparing to leave.
"Maria, wait," Arthur said, stepping into her path.
She looked up, wary. "Yes, Mr. Vance?"
"I know what you've been through working in this toxic household," Arthur said gently. "And I know your background. You were studying forensic accounting at the university before your family fell on hard times, weren't you?"
Maria blinked in surprise. "How... how did you know that?"
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"When you do what I do, you make it your business to know the background of everyone involved in a case," Arthur smiled. "I have a vacancy at Vance Global Financial Investigations. We need sharp, honest, incorruptible minds. How would you like a position as a junior auditor, starting at a salary that will allow you to never have to worry about rent, bills, or abusive employers ever again?"
Maria stood frozen, staring at the billionaire. The nightmare of the last hour melted away, replaced by an unbelievable, dazzling horizon of hope.
