Chapter 9 - Handcuffs and Ruin
The crowd parted like the Red Sea as the federal agents marched straight onto the stage.
"Julian Vance? Cynthia Thorne?" the lead agent announced sternly. "You are both under arrest for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, grand larceny, and corporate embezzlement."
"No! Get away from me!" Cynthia screamed hysterically, flailing her arms as an officer grabbed her wrists and snapped heavy steel handcuffs onto her hands. "It was all Julian! He told me to set up those accounts! I didn't know it was illegal!"
"You lying snake!" Julian roared, turning on Cynthia as the second officer forced his arms behind his back. "You took half the money! You convinced me to push Sarah out!"
The entire ballroom watched in stunned satisfaction as the two traitors turned on each other like wild dogs, screaming insults and accusations while being dragged down the stage steps in front of every major news camera in the city.
Julian looked back at Sarah one last time, his face pale, gaunt, and completely ruined.
"Sarah..." Julian wept, his voice cracking with pathetic desperation. "Please... I'm your husband! I made a mistake! Don't do this to me!"
Sarah stood tall on the stage, wiping a small drop of champagne from her shoulder with unmatched dignity.
"You didn't make a mistake, Julian," Sarah said, her voice carrying through the quiet room. "You made a choice. And now, you are going to pay for it."
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As the police dragged Julian and Cynthia out into the rainy night to waiting squad cars, the investors in the ballroom stood up one by one, erupting into a thunderous, standing ovation for Sarah.
👉 Continue to Part 10 for the heartwarming final conclusion.
