Chapter 7
The harsh fluorescent lights of the federal precinct buzzed with a low, headache-inducing frequency. Julian sat across the stainless-steel interrogation table, his expensive tuxedo now rumpled and stained with coffee, looking less like a titan of industry and more like a suspect in a midnight robbery. Arthur stood behind him, whispering frantic legal advice into his ear, but Julian waved him away with a sharp flick of his wrist.
Across the table sat Special Agent Miller, a weary man with iron-gray hair and an expression carved entirely from granite. He tossed a heavy manila file onto the steel surface, the pages sliding across to bump against Julian’s coffee cup.
"Care to explain why three million dollars in pension relief funds were routed through a shell corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands under your direct supervision, Mr. Sterling?" Miller asked, leaning back in his metal chair.
"It was a bridge loan for an overseas acquisition," Julian said, his voice flat and practiced. "Standard corporate procedure approved by the board's finance committee."
"Funny thing about the finance committee," Miller replied, opening a transcript and sliding it forward. "We spoke with every single member an hour ago. None of them signed off on the British Virgin Islands transfer. In fact, the only signature authorizing the movement of those specific funds belongs to Miss Amy Vance—and according to our forensic handwriting experts, her signature on those documents was forged."
Julian’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at the forged document, recognizing the meticulous replica of Amy’s handwriting instantly. Victoria. It had to be Victoria. She had access to the personal archives in the family vault.
"That’s a fabrication," Julian snarled, slamming his palm onto the table. "Someone within the firm manipulated those files to frame me."
"Oh, we have no doubt someone framed you, Mr. Sterling," Miller said calmly, folding his hands over the case file. "The question is whether it was your fiancée or your own family. But here’s the complication that really matters: Miss Vance filed an affidavit at 4:00 AM this morning alleging that you threatened her physical safety and attempted to coerce her into signing away her family inheritance."
Arthur leaned down quickly. "Mr. Sterling, do not answer another question without counsel present. This is a trap."
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"She’s carrying my child," Julian growled through clenched teeth, ignoring his lawyer. "She doesn't have the right to disappear with my flesh and blood."
Miller raised an eyebrow, a cold smile touching the corner of his mouth. "According to the emergency custody injunction signed by Judge Harrison twenty minutes ago, she has every right until you can prove in a court of law that you aren't a flight risk and a felon."
