Chapter 8 - The Falling Cards
The reaction was immediate.
Julian's face drained of color. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."
"The federal prosecutors do," Roman said, his voice a low, terrifying rumble that drew the attention of every politician in the room. "And by tomorrow morning, the entire board of Whitmore Holdings will be under indictment for corporate espionage, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder."
Vanessa tried to speak, her voice high and frantic. "This is a lie! Claire is hysterical! She’s just a bitter ex-wife!"
"A bitter ex-wife with the complete financial records of your company," Claire said, her voice cool and steady. "I spent four years doing your 'informal domestic support,' Julian. Did you really think I didn't notice where the money was going?"
She took a slow sip of her champagne, her eyes locked onto his.
"You took my company, my money, and my dignity. But you forgot one thing, Julian."
"What?" he whispered.
"You forgot that I knew how to build something from nothing," she said. "And I’ve built a family that you can never touch."
Roman stepped forward, his hand finding Claire's.
May you like
"Your carriage is waiting, Mr. Whitmore," Roman said. "The FBI is outside."
Two men in dark suits stepped out of the crowd, flashing their badges. Within minutes, Julian and Vanessa were led out of the ballroom in handcuffs, their names ruined, their empire turning to ash before the eyes of the city they had tried so hard to rule.
