Chapter 8: The Price of Pride**
The arrest of Eleanor Vance took place not in the shadows, but at the exclusive Metropolitan Arts Gala in Manhattan. She had insisted on attending, determined to project an image of untouchable power despite the board's suspension.
Flashbulbs exploded across the red carpet as two uniformed NYPD officers accompanied Detective Ruiz into the gilded lobby of the Lincoln Center. Eleanor was in the middle of greeting a prominent city councilman when the officers approached.
"Eleanor Vance, you are under arrest for felony domestic assault, witness intimidation, and violation of a judicial protection order," Detective Ruiz announced firmly, producing a pair of steel handcuffs.
A collective gasp swept through the high-society crowd. Eleanor’s face drained of all color. "Do you have any idea who I am? Take your hands off me!"
"You have the right to remain silent," the officer recited, turning her around and clicking the cold metal cuffs around her wrists, right over the silk cuffs of her designer gown. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
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Guests pulled out their phones, recording every second as the legendary matriarch was escorted down the red-carpet steps into the flashing blue lights of an awaiting police cruiser. For forty years, Eleanor Vance had traded in shame and reputation. In less than sixty seconds, the only currency she cared about was completely destroyed.
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