Chapter 7 - The Downfall
The ballroom descended into absolute chaos as two federal agents in dark suits stepped out from behind the velvet stage curtains.
They walked directly up to Eleanor Vance and Victoria Sterling.
"Eleanor Vance, Victoria Sterling," the lead agent announced loudly. "You are under arrest for grand larceny, corporate embezzlement, and conspiracy."
Victoria began to scream, thrashing against the agent's grip as silver handcuffs clicked around her wrists. "Julian! Help me! Aunt Eleanor, do something!"
Eleanor stood frozen, her face pale as stone as the second agent pulled her arms behind her back. She glared at Julian with pure, unadulterated hatred.
"You destroyed your own family for this... this nobody!" Eleanor spat, gesturing toward Clara.
"Clara saved my son's life, Eleanor," Julian replied, holding Clara’s hand tightly in his own. "You and Victoria tried to trade his life for a balance sheet. You are not my family."
The crowd parted in stunned silence as the federal agents escorted the two women out of the grand ballroom, the flashing cameras capturing every second of their public humiliation.
Julian turned to face the room of shocked investors and board members. He stepped up to the microphone on the main stage, pulling Clara up beside him.
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"Ladies and gentlemen," Julian announced, his voice steady and powerful through the loudspeakers. "Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sterling Global. A chapter built on integrity, truth, and real family."
He looked down at Clara, a genuine, radiant smile breaking across his face for the first time in seven years.
