Chapter 7 - The Arrest on the Deck
The riverboat docked at the riverfront twenty minutes later, where four black federal law enforcement vans were already waiting with blue lights flashing against the humid fog.
Federal agents boarded the vessel immediately.
"Adrian Mercer, Sloane Whitmore," the lead agent declared, stepping into the center of the ballroom with handcuffs drawn. "You are under arrest for federal wire fraud, tax evasion, intellectual property theft, and conspiracy to commit corporate money laundering."
Sloane burst into hysterical tears as the steel cuffs clicked around her manicured wrists. "It was Adrian! He told me to take the credit! He said she was just a stupid housewife who would never fight back!"
"Shut up, Sloane!" Adrian yelled, his voice cracking with desperation as agents forced his arms behind his back. "Evelyn! Tell them! Tell them it's a mistake! I'll give you fifty percent of the company! Eighty percent!"
Evelyn stood beside Dominic, watching as her ex-husband was escorted down the gangplank in front of dozens of flashing news cameras.
"You won't have a company left to give, Adrian," Evelyn said quietly as he passed her. "The state is seizing your assets tonight."
As the police vans drove away into the New Orleans night, the Mayor walked up to Evelyn, holding out his hand with profound respect.
"Miss Hart," the Mayor said warmly. "On behalf of the city council, I want to apologize for being deceived by those fraudsters. The waterfront development project is still open... and we would be honored if you and Mr. Vale would accept the contract under your own brand."
Evelyn looked at the Mayor, then turned her head to look at Dominic.
May you like
Dominic’s eyes were fixed entirely on her, filled with pride and an unmistakable, deep devotion.
"We accept, Mr. Mayor," Evelyn said, a genuine, beautiful smile finally illuminating her face. "The brand won't be called Mercer Renewal. It will be called Hart & Vale."
