Chapter 3 : The House of Cards
Chapter 3 : The House of Cards
Inside the maximum-security federal holding facility, Alexander Vance paced the perimeter of his concrete cell like a caged, rabid animal. His tailored suit had been replaced by a coarse orange jumpsuit, and his manicured hands shook with uncontrollable rage.
"This is a mistake! Do you know who I am? My legal team will sue this entire department into bankruptcy!" Alexander screamed, slamming his fists against the reinforced steel door until his knuckles bruised.
The small sliding window clicked open, revealing the cold, impassive gaze of a prison guard. "Save your breath, Vance. Your assets are seized, your shell companies have been exposed, and your high-priced lawyers dropped your representation ten minutes ago. You're facing forty years for federal embezzlement and fraud. Sit down and shut up."
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The window slammed shut. Alexander slumped against the cold wall, sliding down until he hit the floor. The terrifying reality washed over him like a tidal wave. He had spent his entire life pulling the strings, treating people like disposable pawns, believing his wealth made him immune to justice. But Clara hadn't just beaten him in court; she had orchestrated a masterclass in total ruin. He had handed her the rope, and she had built the gallows.
Meanwhile, back at the corporate headquarters of Vance Enterprises, federal auditors swarmed the executive floors. Desks were ransacked, digital servers were mirrored, and the board of directors held an emergency vote to strip the Vance family name from the building permanently. The empire was officially dead.
