Chapter 4 - The Swiss Warrant
The heavy cream-colored paper caught the dim light of the courtyard lamps, bearing the official embossed seal of the Swiss Federal Prosecutor’s Office. For a moment, the sound of the fountain seemed to vanish entirely, replaced by the deafening roar of blood rushing in Julian’s ears. Elena stumbled backward, her high-slit emerald gown tangling around her ankles, barely catching herself against the stone pillar of the terrace. The illusion of wealth, power, and untouchable privilege that they had meticulously constructed over the past decade was dissolving into ash right before their eyes.
Arthur didn't unfold the paper. Instead, he held it between his thumb and forefinger, letting the wind flutter the edge against the dark fabric of his suit.
"A mutual legal assistance treaty was signed at midnight," Arthur stated, his voice flat and devoid of any human warmth.
"Which means every single asset tied to the Wellington-Vane holding company is currently frozen pending an immediate forensic audit. Effective immediately."
Marcus chuckled softly, a dark, resonant sound that made Julian want to lunge across the patio and tear the composure right off the man’s face.
"You always were efficient, Arthur," Marcus remarked, adjusting his cuffs with exaggerated slowness.
"Too bad you backed the wrong horse. Julian used your name as a personal guarantee to secure high-yield loans from three different syndicates in Zurich. Syndicates that don't typically negotiate when payments are missed."
Clara stepped up beside Marcus, her eyes hardening as she looked directly at Julian.
"You thought you could bury my father’s legacy, take my inheritance, and parade around this estate like a king," Clara said, her voice shaking with restrained fury.
"You didn't just steal from a family trust, Julian. You signed your own death warrant the moment you brought Elena into our father’s home."
Elena straightened up, a desperate, dangerous defiance flashing in her dark eyes as she glared at Clara.
"Shut your mouth, you ungrateful hypocrite," Elena spat, stepping forward despite Julian’s frantic attempt to pull her back.
"You knew about the shell companies from the very beginning. You signed the transfer papers in Geneva yourself before you faked that medical leave."
Silence fell over the courtyard like a lead weight. Julian froze, his eyes widening in absolute horror as he stared at Elena.
"Elena, stop," Julian hissed, panic seizing his chest.
"What are you talking about?"
Clara’s face went completely pale, her hand gripping Marcus’s arm as a sharp, breathless laugh escaped her lips.
"She didn't know," Marcus whispered, his triumphant smile instantly vanishing as a shadow crossed his eyes.
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Before Clara could answer, the beam of a high-powered flashlight cut through the darkness from the main gates, followed by the heavy, unmistakable crunch of approaching tires on the gravel driveway.
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