Chapter 14 - The Arrival of Authority
Julian stared at his wife, the floor dropping out from beneath him. “Nora, what is happening?” he asked, his voice breaking. “I need you to listen before you react,” she said softly, her heart breaking for the pain she was about to cause him. “Your mother’s company has been under federal investigation for financial fraud, bribery, and illegal asset transfers.”
Before Ophelia could scream her denials, the heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open. Four federal investigators in dark windbreakers entered, flanked by financial crimes prosecutors and agents carrying heavy document cases. They didn't shout. They walked with the slow, inevitable weight of true authority. The ballroom descended into a graveyard silence. Agent Maren Holt stepped onto the balcony, flashing her badge. “Mrs. Ophelia Fairchild, we have a warrant to secure financial records. We also need to speak with you regarding the destruction of potential evidence.”
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