Chapter 2: The Empire Begins to Collapse
Chapter 2: The Empire Begins to Collapse
Three days later...
The Prescott estate looked exactly the same.
Perfect lawns.
Luxury cars.
Private security.
But inside...
Panic had replaced confidence.
Federal agents arrived just after sunrise.
Search warrants.
Financial investigators.
State detectives.
Every phone was seized.
Every computer was copied.
Every employee interviewed.
Margaret stormed into the foyer.
"This is political!"
An FBI agent calmly handed her another warrant.
"No, Mrs. Prescott."
"This is evidence."
Meanwhile, Victoria sat quietly beside Emily in the hospital garden.
Emily stared at the flowers.
"I should have left months ago."
Victoria smiled gently.
"No."
"You survived."
"That's different."
Emily lowered her head.
"I thought you'd be disappointed in me."
Victoria's expression softened.
"When you were six years old..."
"You climbed a tree and got stuck."
Emily laughed through her tears.
"You had to carry me down."
"You kept apologizing."
"I remember."
Victoria squeezed her hand.
"I told you then..."
"'Strong people aren't the ones who never fall.'"
Emily whispered the rest.
"'They're the ones brave enough to ask for help.'"
Victoria nodded.
"You did exactly that."
Across town...
The media exploded.
Hidden surveillance footage from the Prescott guest house surfaced.
Security staff admitted Emily's phone had been confiscated.
Former employees began coming forward with stories of intimidation.
Then came the final blow.
A forensic accountant uncovered millions of dollars hidden through shell companies.
The investigation expanded overnight.
Ethan watched the news from an interrogation room.
His lawyer finally spoke.
"They're offering you one chance."
"Cooperate."
May you like
Ethan whispered the words he never imagined saying.
"My mother planned everything."
