Chapter 10: The Fall of the Vipers**
“This is an outrage!” Senator Sterling roared, rising furiously from his chair. “This woman was declared dead five years ago! This is an obvious impersonator brought in to sabotage our contractual merger!”
“Check the biometric and dental records yourself, Senator,” Julian replied smoothly, snapping his fingers.
Frank Vance walked into the room, placing thick manila folders in front of every single board member, including Senator Sterling and Marcus.
“What is this garbage?” Marcus choked out, his hands trembling violently as he flipped open the first page.
“That is the digital breadcrumb trail of your greed, Marcus,” Julian said, stepping closer until he towered over his cousin. “Two million dollars paid to a mechanic to slice the hydraulic lines of my wife’s car. Routed through Aegis Holdings, funded directly by the Senator’s illicit PAC fund.”
The room erupted into absolute chaos. Board members shouted in horror, immediately distancing themselves from the table.
“You have no proof that connects me to that!” Senator Sterling snarled, backing toward the exit. “My lawyers will have this thrown out in minutes!”
The boardroom doors opened once more. Four federal agents from the FBI and the Department of Justice stepped in, badges held high, accompanied by armed marshals.
“Marcus Vance, Senator Arthur Sterling,” the lead agent announced. “You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, wire fraud, falsification of official police records, and corporate embezzlement. Step away from the table.”
Victoria began to sob hysterically, clutching her father’s arm as the handcuffs clicked tightly around the Senator’s wrists. Marcus dropped to his knees, staring up at Julian in pathetic desperation.
“Julian, please! We’re blood! I made a mistake!” Marcus begged.
Julian looked down at his cousin with cold, unyielding disgust. “You tried to murder my pregnant wife for a company title. You aren't my blood. You are nothing.”
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As the federal agents dragged the conspirators out, silence settled over the boardroom. Clara squeezed Leo’s small hand, feeling five long years of terror and hiding vanish into the morning sun.
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