Chapter 12: The Fall of the Thorne Empire
Within two hours of the broadcast, FBI agents and Federal Trade Commission officers raided the headquarters of Thorne Financial. Richard Thorne was arrested at JFK International Airport attempting to board a private jet to Zurich. Gregory Thorne was apprehended outside his penthouse, screaming incoherently as television cameras broadcast his handcuffs live to forty million viewers.
Arthur Vance walked into the federal courthouse voluntarily. Because of his full cooperation, surrender of all illicit profits, and the decisive evidence provided by Julian's ledger, he was granted leniency—avoiding long-term incarceration in exchange for liquidating his personal fortune to repay the defrauded maritime pension funds.
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As Arthur was escorted out of the courtroom, he paused beside Elena and Julian in the hallway. He looked at Julian's scarred forearm, and for the first time in his life, Arthur Vance extended his hand with genuine humility. "Thank you, son. You saved my daughter twice—once from the fire, and once from the man I had become."
Julian shook the old man's hand with firm, quiet dignity. "Go make things right, Mr. Vance. It's never too late to start."
