Chapter 7 - The Final BetrayalBefore Celeste could scream another word, General Vance stepped forward, pulling an official royal arrest warrant from his leather folder.
“Lady Celeste Arden, Julian Arden, you are formally placed under arrest for corporate conspiracy, treasonous manipulation of state assets, and attempted extortion of the crown,” Vance announced loudly.
The royal guards moved swiftly, snapping heavy steel handcuffs onto Julian’s wrists and pulling a weeping, hysterical Celeste away from the dais as her expensive diamond jewelry clattered against the marble floor.
As they were dragged out of the grand ballroom in absolute disgrace, the elite guests stood frozen, watching the empire of the Ardens disintegrate in a matter of minutes.
Adrian stood tall, his posture commanding absolute, unquestioned authority.
He adjusted the cuffs of his tuxedo, took a deep, liberating breath of air, and looked across the room toward the pillar where Mara Ellis stood.
May you like
A warm, genuine smile—the first real smile he had worn in years—touched his lips.
He began to walk down the steps of the dais, his stride steady, powerful, and completely unhindered.
