Chapter 7 - The Arrest
The Police Chief didn't hesitate for a single second. Ignoring Vivienne’s frantic shrieks and protests, he grabbed her wrist firmly and slipped the platinum star sapphire ring off her finger. He stepped back respectfully, handing the precious heirloom directly to Marcus.
Marcus gently wiped the ring with his silk handkerchief before placing it carefully into Claire's palm. Claire squeezed the ring tightly against her heart, tears of relief spilling over her lashes as her mother's memory was restored to safety.
"Now," Marcus said, turning back to the Police Chief. "Read them their rights."
"Director! You can't arrest us in our own home!" Preston screamed, trying to scramble backward away from the approaching officers. "Chief! We paid for your election campaign! You work for us!"
The Police Chief didn't even glance at Preston. Armed federal tactical officers, having breached the estate's secondary perimeter under Marcus's lockdown protocol, burst into the ballroom in full tactical gear. Their heavy boots thundered against the marble floor as they swarmed the stage.
"Vivienne Beaumont and Preston Beaumont," the Chief announced in a loud, firm voice that echoed through the ballroom speakers, "you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, illegal imprisonment, grand theft, and conspiracy."
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Steel handcuffs snapped shut over Preston's wrists with a harsh, metallic click. He sobbed uncontrollably, his face pressed against the cold stone floor where he had once looked down on others.
👉 Read Part 8 to see how the rest of high society reacts to the collapse of the Beaumont dynasty.
