Chapter 6 - The Federal InterruptionBefore Daniel could open his mouth to beg again, the heavy oak doors of the office swung open with a resounding bang.
Two men in dark suits stepped into the room, their badges flashing under the recessed ceiling lights. Federal Bureau of Investigation—White-Collar Crime Division.
“Daniel Sterling?” the lead agent asked, his voice flat and authoritative.
Daniel spun around, panicked and sweating profusely. “There’s been a mistake! This is a civil dispute—my wife is just—”
“Mr. Sterling, you are being placed under arrest for wire fraud, embezzlement of corporate funds, and international tax evasion,” the agent interrupted, stepping forward and pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. “Step away from the desk and place your hands behind your back.”
Daniel looked wildly between the federal agents and Emily, who stood motionless behind her desk, watching him with quiet, detached indifference.
“Nat! Tell them!” Daniel screamed as the cold metal clicked tightly around his wrists, biting sharply into his skin. “Tell them it’s a misunderstanding! Natalie, please!”
Emily picked up her coffee mug, took a calm sip, and looked him straight in the eye.
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“My name is Ms. Hayes,” she said quietly. “And you’re trespassing.”
The agents grabbed him by both arms, hauling him backward toward the door. Daniel’s frantic cries echoed down the hallway, muffled rapidly as the heavy double doors closed, cutting him off from the empire he had tried to steal.
