Chapter 7 - THE SHOWDOWN ON STAGE
The entire ballroom fell silent as the massive screens on stage flashed to life.
A doctored audio recording began playing loudly through the venue’s surround sound system:
“I don’t care about the company… I forged my grandfather’s will to get the Vance Group billions… and I’ll destroy anyone who stands in my way…”
The crowd gasped in utter shock. Guests began whispering frantically, turning to stare at Elena.
Julian leaned closer to Elena, whispering in her ear with pure malice. “While everyone is distracted by your ruined reputation, Vivian is upstairs using her security clearance to bypass your guards. My men are taking Leo right now out the back exit. If you ever want to see your son again, you’ll sign over your shares tonight!”
Elena didn’t scream. She didn’t cry. She didn’t panic.
Instead, she raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
Instantly, the doctored audio cut off.
The screens went black for two seconds, and then flickered back on—this time showing live security camera footage from the VIP suite upstairs!
On the giant screens, the entire audience watched in real-time as Vivian Cross and two hired thugs opened the door of the suite—only to be instantly surrounded by six armed Federal Agents and NYPD officers! Vivian was immediately tackled to the ground and slapped into handcuffs, screeching in terror!
In the corner of the video feed, little Leo was sitting safely on Marcus’s shoulders, laughing as he watched the dramatic arrest.
The ballroom erupted in chaos.
Julian’s face went completely red, then drain of all color. “What… what is this?!”
“Did you really think I didn’t know you two were working together?” Elena’s voice rang out, echoing clearly through the entire room as she spoke into a lapel microphone.
She turned to face the entire crowd, pointing directly at Julian.
“Julian Sterling,” Elena announced loudly, her voice booming across the grand hall. “For the past two years, you embezzled millions from your investors. And tonight, you attempted to kidnap my son and blackmail the Vance Group!”
Before Julian could run, four federal agents stepped out from the ballroom crowd, blocking every exit.
Detective Reynolds stepped forward, pulling out a pair of steel handcuffs.
“Julian Sterling,” Reynolds barked. “You are under arrest for grand larceny, wire fraud, conspiracy to kidnap, and corporate extortion. You have the right to remain silent.”
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As the handcuffs clicked around Julian’s wrists, he thrashed wildly, screaming at Elena. “You set me up! You trapped me!”
“You trapped yourself the moment you threatened my son,” Elena said coldly, watching as the agents dragged him away alongside a sobbing Vivian Cross, straight into the flashing cameras of the news press outside.
