Chapter 5 - The Corporate Execution
The realization hit Marcus with the crushing force of a freight train. Every shady financial maneuver, every unauthorized wire transfer, every hidden shell corporation he had set up to siphon money from the firm—all of it had been channeled directly into a corporate entity now wholly owned by the woman he had just ordered security to throw out.
"No..." Marcus whispered, shaking his head frantically. "No, no, no. This is a hostile takeover. You can't just—there are protocols, board approvals—"
"Board approvals were unanimously signed and sealed forty-eight hours ago, Mr. Vance," Rebecca said softly, stepping forward into the warm light of the crystal chandeliers. Her voice was calm, measured, and entirely devoid of anger. It was the voice of an executioner reading final rites.
She bent down, picked up her small black evening purse from the marble floor, and straightened up smoothly.
"You spent the last six months systematically looting client trust accounts and funneling corporate funds into boutique shell companies operated by your mistress," Rebecca continued, her eyes locking onto Marcus with chilling precision. "You assumed that because I stayed quiet, I was blind. You assumed that because I wore an apron and hosted your dinner parties, I didn't know how to read a balance sheet."
Celeste backed away from Marcus on the stage, her face twisted in panic. "Marcus... what is she talking about? What did you do?"
"Shut up, Celeste!" Marcus roared, losing all semblance of his corporate composure as he pointed a trembling finger at his wife. "She's lying! She forged those documents! She's trying to ruin me!"
May you like
Before Marcus could lunge toward the edge of the stage, the heavy double doors opened once more. This time, federal law enforcement agents and corporate compliance officers stepped into the ballroom, flanked by local police.
Detective Marcus Vance walked straight down the aisle, holding a pair of heavy steel handcuffs.
