Chapter 10 - The Federal Footsteps
The heavy silence that followed was shattered by the rhythmic, heavy thud of tactical boots marching through the hotel lobby.
Four federal agents wearing dark blue jackets with 'FEDERAL MARSHAL' emblazoned in bright yellow across their backs entered the grand ballroom, led by a stern, gray-haired lead investigator carrying a leather warrant folder.
The lead marshal walked straight up the aisle, ignoring the crowd of stunned guests, and stopped directly beside the kneeling Julian Vance.
"Julian Vance?" the lead marshal asked, his voice booming through the quiet hall.
Julian glared up from the floor, his face twisted in bitter defiance, his arm still secured by James. "Do you know who I am? I own this hotel! I own Vance Global!"
"As of 2:00 PM today, your assets have been frozen by order of the Southern District Federal Court," the marshal responded calmly, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his tactical belt. "You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit medical kidnapping, corporate fraud, forgery, human trafficking, and felony child abuse."
The marshal stepped forward, replacing James's grip with the cold steel of the handcuffs, snapping them tightly around Julian’s wrists behind his back.
A wave of camera flashes suddenly illuminated the room. Members of the press, who had been invited to cover the 'Social Event of the Year,' were now pressing against the entrance, their long lenses catching every second of Julian’s disgraced fall from grace.
"Get those cameras out of here!" Julian shrieked, struggling against the marshal’s grip as he was forced to his feet. "James! Tell them! Tell them it's a mistake!"
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James stepped back, placing his arm around Evelyn, who was now standing with Lily held safely in her arms.
"It's not a mistake, Julian," James said coldly. "It's justice."
