Chapter 2 - THE FEDERAL INTERCEPTIONBefore Victoria could take three steps toward the double doors, a heavy-set man in a crisp charcoal suit stepped out from the shadows of the exit corridor. His hand slipped open, catching the sliding micro-SD card precisely between two fingers before it could slip into a floor grate.
The man glanced down at the card, then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a gold federal shield.
"Federal Bureau of Investigation, Financial Crimes and Corruption Division," announced Special Agent Marcus Vance, his baritone voice echoing through the vaulted ceiling of the ballroom. "Victoria Sterling, you are not going anywhere."
Victoria froze. The smug, untouchable smile vanished from her face, replaced by a flash of genuine, unadulterated panic.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Victoria screeched, clutching Noah's shoulders tighter until the boy whimpered. "Do you know who I am? I am the president of this foundation! I sit on the mayor's advisory board! Arrest this insane woman in the wheelchair immediately!"
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"We're not arresting her, Mrs. Sterling," Agent Vance replied, stepping forward alongside three armed federal marshals. "We're here for you. For corporate embezzlement, obstruction of justice, and the murder conspiracy of Daniel Sterling."
A deafening wave of shocked murmurs erupted through the two hundred elite guests. Cameras flashed furiously as reporters realized they were capturing the live downfall of one of New York's most celebrated philanthropists.
