Chapter 4
Sergeant Miller’s pen scratched steadily across his notepad, capturing every syllable of Elena’s outburst. The younger officer stood near the balcony doors, ensuring Elena made no sudden moves toward the exit. The domestic dispute had instantly evolved into a criminal investigation of the highest order, touching upon medical neglect, abuse of a dependent adult or minor, and potential premeditated harm.
"Mrs. Vance, you have the right to remain silent," Sergeant Miller stated calmly, stepping into her personal space and pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his tactical belt. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. I am placing you under arrest for felony child endangerment and willful neglect."
Elena didn't flinch as the cold metal clicked around her slender wrists, though a muscle in her jaw twitched furiously. Her dark eyes locked onto David with a gaze so venomous it seemed to lower the temperature in the room. "You think you've won, David? You think getting rid of me solves your little problem? You're blind. Check the trust accounts. Check the medical endowments. You're broke, and you don't even know it."
David’s expression hardened, though a flicker of genuine confusion crossed his features. "What are you talking about?"
"Ask your precious accountant," Elena hissed as the officers guided her firmly toward the private elevator. "Ask him where the research funding for Lily’s rare pulmonary condition went. I didn't just want her gone out of spite, darling. I needed her gone so the audits wouldn't start until I was safely out of the country with every last cent you owned."
The elevator doors slid shut, sealing Elena inside with her escorts, leaving David standing alone in the cavernous living room. The chilling implication of her parting words settled heavily over him. He sank slowly onto the edge of a velvet armchair, his mind racing through the labyrinth of corporate accounts, family trusts, and medical foundations he had established to keep Lily alive. For three years, Elena had managed the household logistics and coordinated with the philanthropic boards while he focused on running his tech firm.
Moments later, Sarah returned from the nursery, stepping quietly into the room. She stood a few feet away, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "She's sleeping peacefully now, Mr. Vance. The paramedics are downstairs and will be up in five minutes."
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"Sarah," David said, looking up slowly. "Did you ever notice anything strange about the medical fund transfers? Anything Elena handled?"
Sarah’s face paled slightly, and she bit her lower lip. "Actually, sir... there were times when she told me certain pharmaceutical shipments were delayed, but I found the delivery receipts in the recycling bin marked 'canceled and refunded.' I thought she was just cutting costs to manage the budget."
