Chapter 2 — The Doors Open
Chapter 2 — The Doors Open
The estate gates burst open.
Not violently.
Professionally.
More than thirty black SUVs entered the driveway in perfect formation.
Private security officers stepped out first.
Behind them came forensic investigators.
Corporate auditors.
Federal financial crime agents carrying sealed warrants.
Every movement was precise.
Every face was expressionless.
The lead investigator walked directly toward Adrian.
"Mr. Adrian Vale?"
"Y-Yes."
"You are being served with multiple federal warrants involving financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and conspiracy."
Vanessa jumped to her feet.
"This is ridiculous!"
"You can't just barge in here!"
The investigator barely looked at her.
"We can."
He handed her another envelope.
"You are also under investigation."
She ripped the papers apart.
It didn't matter.
Three more officers handed her identical copies.
Meanwhile, another woman entered the mansion.
She wore no jewelry.
No designer labels.
Just a navy-blue suit.
Everyone moved aside when they saw her.
She walked straight toward me.
Then bowed slightly.
"Miss Sterling."
"We're here to take you home."
Vanessa stared in disbelief.
Miss...
Sterling?
Adrian suddenly remembered every joke he had ever made about my family.
Every insult.
Every slap.
May you like
Every lie.
Each one became another nail sealing his own coffin.
