Chapter 6 - The Trap is Sprung
Three days later, the Sterling family launched their attack.
It didn't come with guns or explosives. It came with lawyers, police officers, and press cameras.
At 2:00 PM on Tuesday, three state police cruisers and two black sedans carrying representatives from the District Attorney’s office pulled up the long driveway of the Bellmore estate.
Ivy was in the main parlor, reviewing upcoming event schedules with Margaret, when Captain Vance quickly entered the room, his expression grave.
"Ivy, Mr. Bellmore," Vance said, turning to Dominic who had just entered. "We have a situation. State troopers are at the door with a search warrant and an arrest warrant."
Dominic’s jaw tightened. "On what grounds?"
Before Vance could answer, the heavy double doors were pushed open. A slick, high-powered lawyer in an expensive pinstriped suit walked in, flanked by two state detectives and Victor Sterling’s eldest son, Marcus Sterling.
"Dominic Bellmore," the lawyer announced loudly, holding up a piece of paper. "I am legal counsel representing Sterling Financial Group and the City Licensing Bureau. We are executing a judicial warrant for the arrest of Miss Ivy Bennett."
Dominic immediately stepped in front of Ivy, his tall, imposing frame completely blocking her from the officers.
"You're out of your mind," Dominic said, his voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register. "On what charge?"
Marcus Sterling stepped forward with a malicious grin. "Grand larceny, corporate espionage, and tax fraud."
The room went completely dead silent.
"That’s absurd!" Margaret blurted out from behind them. "Ivy hasn't stolen a dime in her life!"
"Oh, really?" Marcus sneered, pulling a leather-bound folder from his jacket. "According to banking records submitted to the State Auditor an hour ago, over $2.4 million was wire-transferred from the Sterling-Bellmore Joint Shipping Trust directly into a private off-shore bank account in the Cayman Islands registered under the name of... Ivy Bennett."
Marcus looked past Dominic, pointing his finger at Ivy.
"She used her access as senior house staff to steal digital encryption keys from Dominic’s private desk while he was in Chicago. She was preparing to sell company secrets to rival buyers and run away with millions."
The state detective stepped forward, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. "Miss Bennett, you need to come with us quietly."
Dominic’s eyes flared with pure rage. He reached into his coat—a movement so fast and menacing that both detectives instinctively reached for their sidearms.
"If you put a finger on her," Dominic hissed, "none of you are walking out of this house alive."
"Dominic, stop!"
Ivy’s calm, firm voice cut through the tension like a razor.
She gently placed her hand on Dominic’s shoulder, stepping out from behind his protective frame. She looked completely unbothered by the handcuffs, the detectives, or Marcus Sterling’s smug grin.
"Dominic, please," Ivy said gently, looking into his angry eyes. "Do not do anything rash. Let them do their job."
"Ivy, they are framing you!" Dominic said, his voice strained with desperation. "If you go into their custody, Victor Sterling controls the local precinct holding cells! You won't be safe!"
Ivy offered him a small, reassuring smile—a smile that held an incredible depth of hidden confidence.
"Trust me, Dominic," Ivy whispered, leaning close to his ear. "Remember what I told you? A bully’s greatest weapon is your emotional reaction. Let them take me. And watch what happens."
She stepped forward and held out her wrists to the detective.
Marcus Sterling smirked, leaning in as the handcuffs clicked shut around Ivy’s wrists. "Enjoy the night in a cell, maid. Let’s see how curvy and pretty you feel in an orange jumpsuit."
Ivy looked Marcus dead in the eye. Her expression was cold, sharp, and completely devoid of fear.
"You should have checked the logs, Mr. Sterling," Ivy said quietly.
May you like
"What logs?" Marcus frowned.
Ivy didn't answer. She simply turned and walked calmly out the door between the two detectives, her head held high, looking every bit like royalty being escorted to her carriage.
