Chapter 8 - The Fall of Victoria
Before Victoria could speak another word, the three federal agents stepped onto the stage. The lead agent pulled a pair of silver handcuffs from his belt, his badge glinting under the stage lights.
"Victoria Montgomery, you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, grand larceny, embezzlement of trust funds, and criminal forgery," the agent announced, his voice cold and professional.
"No! Get your hands off me!" Victoria shrieked, her aristocratic poise completely shattering into hysterical screams as the cuffs clicked around her manicured wrists. "This is a mistake! Aria, tell them! Tell them you signed it! You ungrateful little bitch, I gave you everything!"
The press cameras flashed furiously, capturing every second of the elite matriarch being dragged down the stage stairs in front of the very people she had tried so hard to impress. Guests stepped back in disgust, turning their faces away to avoid being associated with her ruin.
Mr. Vance attempted to slip quietly out of the ballroom through a side exit, but Marcus stepped into his path, blocking the door with his massive frame.
"Mr. Vance," Sarah Jenkins said, walking over to him with a stack of legal documents. "You are being served with a civil lawsuit for conspiracy to commit corporate fraud, sexual harassment, and battery. The state attorney is also reviewing your actions from last night regarding the unlawful restraint of a minor dependent. I suggest you call your lawyers. You'll be spending your retirement in a deposition room."
Vance slumped against the wall, looking old, broken, and utterly defeated.
Aria stood at the center of the stage, watching the chaos unfold. The heavy, suffocating weight that had rested on her chest since her father’s death was finally gone. She felt light, free, and incredibly powerful.
Ethan stepped beside her, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. "How does it feel, Aria?"
May you like
Aria looked up at him, a single tear of relief escaping her eye and tracking down her cheek. "It feels like the storm has finally passed."
"The storm is over," Ethan murmured, reaching out and gently wiping the tear away with his thumb. Her skin was warm, and for the first time, his touch wasn't analytical. It was protective. "Now, we rebuild."
