Chapter 8 - The Price of Arrogance
While the estate trap was springing, a different confrontation was unfolding at the hotel.
Cordelia Vance, believing that her father's political status would protect her, had slipped into the VIP lounge upstairs, waiting for news of Della's capture. She was holding a glass of champagne, her heart racing with anticipation.
The heavy double doors of the lounge opened. Expecting to see Harlan, she spun around with a smile.
The smile died instantly.
Royce Calloway walked in, flanked by Marcus and two federal agents in trench coats.
"Cordelia Vance," the lead agent said, producing an arrest warrant. "You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit kidnapping, domestic terrorism, and corporate espionage in alignment with the Moretti Syndicate."
"This is absurd!" Cordelia shrieked, backing away toward the window. "My father is a senator! You can't touch me! Harlan is going to bring that waitress’s head to me tonight!"
"Harlan is currently bound and gagged in the back of a federal transport van at my estate," Royce said, stepping forward, his voice a chilling whisper that made the room temperature drop. "Your father signed your arrest warrant himself ten minutes ago, Cordelia. I bought his remaining debts. He chose his political career over a daughter who aligns herself with mafia scum."
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Cordelia’s glass shattered on the floor as the realization hit her. The Vance name was dead. Her wealth was gone. The security guards grabbed her arms, dragging her out of the lounge kicking and screaming, her diamond necklace tearing away and scattering across the carpet.
Royce didn't even look back. He turned to Marcus. "Take care of Enzo Moretti. Cleanly. No noise."
