Chapter 10 - The Federal Arrival
The wail of approaching sirens grew deafening as multiple heavy vehicles pulled up directly in front of the grand entrance of the mansion. The rhythmic flashing of crimson and blue emergency strobes cut through the foggy windows of Sarah’s study, casting long, dancing shadows across the rows of leather-bound books.
Marcus lowered his tablet, his face completely drained of color. He looked from Elena to Julian, the veneer of corporate invincibility entirely shattered. "We need to leave through the service tunnels now," Marcus muttered, grabbing Elena’s arm. "If federal marshals secure the primary registry, we’re looking at federal wire fraud and identity theft charges."
Elena jerked her arm out of Marcus’s grip, her dark eyes flashing with feral defiance. She didn't look like a defeated criminal; she looked like a cornered animal ready to tear down the walls. "I am not running anywhere, Marcus. I legally acquired this property under the emergency guardianship statutes signed by a state magistrate."
"A magistrate whose signature was obtained using forged psychiatric evaluations of a minor," a deep, authoritative voice boomed from the doorway.
A tall man in a crisp federal marshal’s uniform stepped into the study, flanked by two armed deputies. His badge gleamed under the moonlight, and his hand rested casually but firmly on the holster at his hip.
Julian exhaled a long, steady breath he didn't realize he’d been holding. He placed a protective hand on Maya’s shoulder. "Marshal Vance—no relation to the corporate parasite over there—thank you for the prompt response."
Marshal Vance nodded curtly, his gaze sweeping over the scene of destruction, the fallen books, and the discarded iron poker on the floor. He locked his eyes onto Elena. "Elena Vance, you are being detained for federal wire fraud, systemic exploitation of a minor’s trust assets, and obstruction of justice."
Elena didn't flinch. She lifted her chin, her voice dripping with venom. "Show me the active arrest warrant signed by a federal judge, Marshal. You don't walk into a sovereign private residence without proper judicial clearance."
Marshal Vance didn't blink. He reached into his coat pocket, withdrew a crisp, official document bearing a glowing holographic seal, and unfolded it deliberately. "Warrant number 88-B, signed twenty minutes ago by Judge Thomas Sterling based on an automated anomaly ping from the estate's unamendable maritime trust registry."
Marcus took a slow step backward toward the hallway, his hands raised palms out in a defensive gesture. "For the record, Marshal, I am merely external legal counsel. My retainer agreement explicitly states that compliance with federal regulations is the client's sole responsibility."
"You're coming with us too, counselor," one of the armed deputies said, stepping forward and clamping a pair of heavy steel handcuffs around Marcus’s wrists with a sharp metallic snap.
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As Marcus was led out of the room, Elena stared at Julian with a look of pure, unadulterated hatred. She didn't scream, she didn't cry; she simply whispered words that sent a chill straight down Julian’s spine.
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