Chapter 10 - The Hidden Account
Julian scoffed, though a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. ""What document? More of your forged legal nonsense?""
Vincent reached slowly into his tailored breast pocket with two fingers, ensuring the federal marshals saw no sudden movement. He pulled out the folded sheet of paper with the prominent red ""DENIED"" stamp across the bottom—the very paper Mrs. Gable had tried to hide before the raid began.
He didn't hand it to Julian. He handed it directly to Agent Miller.
""Read the second paragraph, Agent,"" Vincent said smoothly. ""That document isn't a medical expense ledger. It’s an authorization form for an offshore shell corporation named Aethelgard Holdings, registered in the Cayman Islands.""
Agent Miller adjusted his glasses, scanning the fine print beneath the denial stamp. His brow furrowed deeply. ""This is an account transfer authorization... for human tissue and pediatric genetic sequencing.""
""Six months ago, Michael Morelli died in a car bombing orchestrated by Mr. Vance,"" Vincent stated, his voice ringing through the cavernous foyer. ""Michael didn't steal Clara. Julian sold her.""
Julian took an involuntary step back, his face draining of color. ""That’s an absolute fabrication!""
""Check the signatures on that ledger, Agent,"" Vincent continued relentlessly. ""Julian Vance signed away all parental rights to Clara five years ago in exchange for forty million dollars in debt relief from the Morelli family trust. Michael didn't kidnap her; he legally adopted her under a sealed private contract to save her from Julian's creditors.""
Vincent turned his merciless gaze back onto Julian.
""And three weeks ago,"" Vincent whispered, ""Julian tried to buy her back. Not because he loves her. But because Clara's maternal trust fund, established by Michael's late wife, unlocks two hundred million dollars on her sixth birthday—accessible only by her legal biological guardian.""
The marshals looked up from the document, their hands drifting off their holsters, their postures shifting instantly from aggressive law enforcement to suspicious interrogators.
""Mr. Vance,"" Agent Miller said, his tone turning icy. ""Is this your signature on this offshore trust covenant?""
Julian's eyes darted frantically between the agents, the document, and Vincent. His smooth facade shattered completely. ""It was signed under duress! Michael threatened my life! The genetic custody claim takes precedence under federal law!""
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""The federal warrant was obtained under fraudulent pretenses of a kidnapping that never occurred,"" Vincent said. ""Which means right now, Julian, you are standing on private property with armed mercenaries, guilty of fraud, filing false police reports, and conspiracy to commit child trafficking.""
Julian's hand twitched toward his inner coat pocket. ""You think you've won, Vincent?""
