Chapter 4 - Sirens In The Driveway
Before Bianca could formulate a reply, a faint red light began to sweep across the high stained-glass windows of the grand hallway. The muffled sound of approaching sirens cut through the heavy night air outside, growing louder with every passing second. The flashing lights painted ominous crimson patterns across the crystal chandeliers and the gold mirror.
Little girl Lily buried her face back into the folds of Julian’s black suit jacket, whimpering softly at the sudden noise. Julian gently patted her dark hair with one hand, his other hand firmly holding the incriminating documents.
Bianca stared toward the massive front doors, her face draining of all color. The untouchable socialite realized the trap had closed around her before she could spring her own.
“You called them before you even came down the hall, didn’t you?” Bianca hissed, her voice trembling with rage as she glared up at Julian. “You never trusted me from the very beginning.”
“Trust is earned through transparency, Bianca, not through intimidation and silenced maids,” Julian replied, his voice remaining steady and unyielding. “I received an anonymous tip three hours ago regarding the missing funds. I simply wanted to see how far you would go to protect your little empire of lies.”
Clara slowly pushed herself up from the floor, aided by her mother who had hurried down the stairs. The yellow cleaning gloves looked jarring against the dark reality of the bruised arm beneath them. The police officers in dark uniforms marched through the front doors, their heavy boots echoing through the marble foyer.
The lead officer, a tall man with a solemn face, stopped a few feet away from Julian and nodded respectfully.
“Mr. Vance,” the officer said, glancing at the shattered glass and the weeping maid. “We received your signal. Is this the suspect?”
Julian handed the torn financial documents to the officer without taking his eyes off Bianca.
“Take her into custody for questioning regarding corporate fraud, extortion, and physical assault,” Julian ordered, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Bianca stepped backward, her white silk dress brushing against the gold mirror. Two officers moved in swiftly, their hands resting on their utility belts. As the cold metal of the handcuffs clicked around her slender wrists, Bianca let out a laugh that sounded more like a desperate gasp.
May you like
“You think this is the end, Julian?” Bianca snarled as they pulled her toward the doors. “Look inside your own private office before you celebrate your victory!”
---
