Chapter 7 - The Bouncer at the Gate
Twelve hours after the dramatic arrest at the gala, Ryan sat in a cold concrete holding cell at the central detention facility, his tuxedo ruined and his dark hair disheveled.
His high-priced criminal defense attorney, Arthur Pendelton, paced outside the iron bars holding a briefcase.
"What do you mean the bail was denied?!" Ryan slammed his fists against the metal table, his voice hoarse from shouting. "I have twenty million dollars in liquid funds! Wire the money!"
"Mr. Vance, listen to me," Pendelton said gravely, leaning closer to the bars. "The judge issued a total freeze on every asset bearing your name or your shell corporations. The prosecution presented evidence that you are an extreme flight risk with secondary passports in Grand Cayman."
Ryan dropped back onto the wooden bench, his chest heaving as reality began to choke him. "Where is Vanessa? Has her lawyer spoken to you?"
Pendelton laughed bitterly. "Miss Reed spent the entire night giving a full sworn statement to the district attorney. She signed a plea bargain agreeing to testify against you in exchange for reduced charges."
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Ryan pulled at his hair, a hysterical laugh escaping his throat. The woman he had traded his wife and legacy for had dismantled his defense in less than six hours.
👉 Read PART 8 to see Isabella walk into the boardroom as the newly appointed CEO!
