Chapter 2 - The Paper Trail of Sins
The click of leather soles against the marble floor echoed like a death knell. Arthur Finch, Julian’s legal counsel for nearly three decades, did not greet his employer with the usual warm formality. He stepped past Victoria without meeting her gaze, his expression etched in gray granite.
"Julian," Arthur began, his voice dry and devoid of warmth. "We have a severe breach."
Victoria immediately pivoted, stepping between the attorney and Clara. "Arthur, what is the meaning of bringing officers into our home during a private family affair? Get them out of here immediately."
"It ceases to be a private affair, Victoria, when trust fund diversions cross into systemic extortion and wire fraud," Arthur said, opening a leather dossier. He turned to Julian, whose hand was resting against the mahogany bannister, his knuckles bone-white. "Julian, three hours ago, our firm received an urgent preservation order from the high court. Eleanor Sterling passed away six weeks ago. In her probate proceedings, a safety deposit box was unsealed."
Julian felt the room tilt. "What was inside, Arthur?"
"Twenty-two years of wire transfers originating from a dummy account registered in the Cayman Islands. An account funded entirely through dividend diversions from your personal portfolio," Arthur explained, pulling out a sheaf of bank slips. "Someone inside this estate systematically siphoned nearly fourteen million dollars under the guise of child support Eleanor never sought, while Eleanor herself was receiving only a meager five hundred dollars a month to remain silent."
Julian looked at Victoria. Her carefully composed mask was beginning to crack. A bead of sweat formed near her hairline, catching the harsh glare of the chandelier.
"Victoria," Julian commanded, his voice cold, steady, and lethal. "Explain this."
"She was a threat to everything we built!" Victoria snapped, her voice finally breaking into an ugly, shrill register. "Your father arranged it before he died! I merely managed the estate according to his wishes! If that girl’s existence had become public knowledge when your firm went public, the board would have ousted you! I protected you, Julian!"
"You didn't protect me," Julian said, his eyes darkening. "You starved my flesh and blood, and you lined your own pockets."
May you like
One of the officers stepped forward, producing a set of handcuffs. "Mrs. Vance, we have a warrant for your detention regarding corporate embezzlement and illegal surveillance."
Victoria took two steps backward, but her path was blocked by the second officer. She glared at Clara, her teeth bared in pure venom. "You think you've won, little girl? You think you can walk into a dynasty and claim a throne? Check your mother's personal diary, Julian. Clara isn't the only child Eleanor bore."
