Chapter 5 - In the Shadows of Cedar Ridge
The massive 4K screens flickered to life. Instantly, Victoria’s recorded conversation with Claire boomed across the speakers, crisp and damning:
"You really thought your father loved you more than his pride, Claire? ... By the time the wedding vows are sealed, his signature on the amended irrevocable trust will transfer all Sterling maritime voting shares to Vance Holdings..."
The reaction in the cathedral was pandemonium. Socialites gasped, dropping program booklets. Senator Hastings stood up in shock. Several board members of Sterling Industries leaped to their feet.
Victoria’s mask didn't just crack; it shattered into jagged pieces. Her eyes bulged with venomous fury. The soft, elegant socialite vanished, replaced by an enraged criminal backed into a corner.
"Turn that off!" she screamed, lunging toward the AV console. "It’s a deepfake! It’s an AI construct generated by his crazy daughter! Arthur, you senile old fool, you’re throwing away everything we built for a sick woman’s lies!"
Two men in tailored suits stepped out from behind the altar floral arrangements. They were not wedding ushers; they were senior special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, flanked by four uniformed state troopers who had been quietly staged in the rectory.
"Victoria Vance, also known as Victoria Vaughn, Victoria Jenkins," Special Agent Miller announced, pulling a heavy set of steel handcuffs from his jacket. "You are under arrest for attempted murder by poisoning, wire fraud, conspiracy, and unlawful kidnapping."
Victoria backed away, her heavy lace train tangling around her silver stilettos. "Don't touch me! Arthur, tell them! You signed the trust! The legal power of attorney belongs to my management firm!"
"The trust you had me sign under chemical duress?" Arthur stepped between her and Noah, shielding his grandson entirely from her sight. "It was voided twenty minutes ago by emergency injunction from the State Supreme Court. You don't get the Sterling name, Victoria. You don't get the money. You don't even get to keep the dress."
With a trembling, manic snarl, Victoria tried to bolt toward the side exit, but two state troopers seized her arms, forcing her onto the marble floor. Her immaculate veil tore away, tumbling into the dust beneath the pews.
Arthur didn't waste another second watching her writhe in handcuffs. He scooped Noah up into his strong arms.
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"Where are we going, Grandpa?" Noah asked, clutching Arthur’s neck.
"We’re going to get your mother," Arthur said, tears finally breaking free and tracking down his weathered cheeks. "And we’re never letting anyone tear our family apart again."
