Chapter 13 - The Unsavory Offer
Evelyn sat behind her desk as Arthur ushered in a tall, impeccably dressed man in his late fifties. It was Julian Vance, the most ruthless criminal defense attorney in the state, known for representing billionaire cartel leaders and corrupt politicians.
Julian didn't sit down. He placed a sleek black leather briefcase on Evelyn’s desk and popped the latches open.
Inside lay rows of neatly stacked bearer bonds and real estate titles worth tens of millions of dollars.
“Ms. Brooks,” Julian said, his voice smooth as silk. “I represent a syndicate of silent investors who held a minority stake in the Ashford Group. We were unaware of Nathan’s illegal activities.”
Evelyn didn't even glance at the money. “Get to the point, Mr. Vance.”
“My clients want this federal investigation wrapped up quickly,” Julian explained, leaning over the desk. “If you drop the patent fraud charges against Nathan, my clients will surrender all remaining Ashford assets to you, no questions asked. You keep the estate, the land, and fifty million in cash.”
Evelyn leaned back in her leather chair, her dark brown eyes locking onto the attorney with impenetrable calm.
“You think you can buy my father’s honor with dirty money?” Evelyn asked softly.
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Julian smiled coldly. “In this city, Ms. Brooks, everything has a price. Nathan is a fool, but he’s a connected fool. If you push this to trial, my clients will drag your father’s name through the mud, claiming he was complicit in the patent transfers before he died.”
👉 Evelyn slowly stood up, her aura radiating cold, absolute power.
