Chapter 7 - The Downfall of the House of CardsThe arrest of Victor Vance sent immediate shockwaves through the financial markets. By sunrise on Thursday, the stock of Sterling & Co. plummeted by forty-two percent within the first ten minutes of trading.
Nathan Sterling sat in his executive office, staring blankly at the wall of monitors flashing red ticker symbols. His corporate credit cards had all been declined. His penthouse apartment had been seized by court-mandated receivers. And his legal representation had officially resigned en masse.
The mahogany double doors swung open. Two federal agents walked in, accompanied by corporate security.
“Nathan Sterling, you are under arrest for corporate fraud, conspiracy, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice,” the lead agent announced, snapping steel handcuffs onto Nathan’s wrists.
“You can’t do this!” Nathan screamed, thrashing as they hauled him toward the door. “Emma! EMMA!”
Emma stepped out from the adjoining private office, holding a fresh cup of black coffee. She looked at her husband—the man who had slapped her in front of his mistress just days ago—with utter detachment.
“You wanted an empire, Nathan,” Emma said softly, sipping her coffee. “Enjoy the federal penitentiary. It has wonderful gray walls to match your soul.”
As the doors closed behind him, Marcus walked in, dropping a thick leather-bound folder onto the desk.
“All corporate assets have been successfully restored to the primary family trust,” Marcus said, smiling faintly. “And your father is resting comfortably at the private medical clinic downtown. He’s eager to see you.”
Emma nodded, setting her cup down. “Thank you, Marcus. But we’re not done yet.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Victor and Nathan are locked up, Celeste is cooperating with the district attorney, and the board has unanimously reinstated you as CEO.”
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Emma pulled a small, encrypted flash drive out of her pocket—the one recovered from Victor’s private wall safe during the raid at St. Jude’s.
“Because,” Emma whispered, her eyes narrowing, “there’s a fourth name on the original Aegis Holdings incorporation papers. Someone who funded the entire operation from behind the scenes. And they’re sitting on the primary board of directors.”
