Chapter 2: Everything Falls Apart
Chapter 2: Everything Falls Apart
Federal agents spread throughout the mansion.
Computers disappeared into evidence bags.
Hard drives were removed.
Safes were opened.
Vanessa tried slipping toward the back entrance, but two investigators stopped her before she reached the garden.
"I need my lawyer!"
"You're welcome to call one," an agent replied. "After we're finished."
Adrian turned toward me.
"Evelyn... tell them this is all a misunderstanding."
I stared at the man who had once promised to protect me.
"There were two hundred chances for you to stop."
His shoulders collapsed.
Richard handed another folder to the lead investigator.
"Bank transfers."
Another folder.
"Shell companies."
Another.
"Fraudulent consulting contracts."
Vanessa suddenly screamed.
"She's lying! She forged everything!"
The investigator quietly placed several original financial records on the table.
"We obtained these directly from your bank."
Her voice disappeared.
Then Adrian made the mistake that destroyed whatever remained of his future.
He lunged toward me.
Before he took two steps, Richard's security officers restrained him.
Every movement had been captured by the investigators' body cameras.
The lead agent sighed.
"Add attempted assault."
As Adrian was handcuffed, he looked at me with genuine disbelief.
"You planned this."
I shook my head.
"No."
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"You planned this the moment you decided violence was easier than love."
The mansion that Adrian once ruled now belonged to silence, flashing police lights, and the consequences of his own choices.
