Chapter 17 - The Federal Arrest
“That’s a procedural technicality!” Arthur barked, standing up, his polished composure finally cracking. “The SEC will never ratify—”
“The SEC already ratified it ten minutes ago,” Martin Bell interrupted, stepping forward and dropping a heavy federal warrant onto the table right in front of Arthur.
The document bore the embossed seal of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
“Arthur Pendelton,” Martin announced loudly, his voice ringing through the room. “You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, wire fraud, identity theft manipulation, and federal securities violations.”
The two federal marshals stepped forward, their heavy boots echoing against the floor. They grabbed Arthur by the shoulders and wrenched his arms behind his back, slapping cold steel handcuffs around his wrists.
“Get your hands off me!” Arthur shrieked, his face turning purple with rage as he was yanked backward out of his chair. “You can’t do this! I built Wall Street! I built this firm!”
“You built nothing on blood and lies,” Julian told him coldly, stepping aside as the old man was dragged down the aisle.
As the doors closed behind the arrested chairman, a heavy silence settled over the boardroom. The remaining board members sat frozen in their seats, staring at Julian and me with a mixture of shock, awe, and absolute submission.
May you like
Julian walked to the head of the table, placed his hands on the mahogany surface, and looked around the room.
“Meeting adjourned,” Julian said quietly. “The Ashford family is home.”
