Chapter 6 - The Freezing Wave
"Mr. Sterling," the wealth manager's voice came through crisp and clear over the speakerphone. "We received a legal freeze order from Dr. Arthur Sterling forty-five minutes ago. All supplementary cards issued under his primary trust have been revoked effective immediately."
Valeria’s face turned bright red as her high-society friends whispered among themselves near the grand piano.
"Revoked?!" Valeria raged into the phone. "That old parasite doesn't own this trust! My husband and I own this house!"
"Actually, Mrs. Sterling," the banker corrected her coldly, "Dr. Arthur Sterling is the sole grantor and founder of the underlying trust funds. You have zero legal authority over those assets."
Julian turned pale, grabbing Valeria’s arm. "Valeria... did you do something with my dad's research funds?"
"Shut up, Julian!" Valeria spat, shoving him back. "I'm calling my father right now. He'll fix this old fool once and for all."
She speed-dialed her father, Richard Vance. But instead of her father's cheerful voice, a cold, unfamiliar voice answered the phone.
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"This is the Federal Financial Crimes Unit. State your name and relationship to Richard Vance."
👉 Why was the federal agent holding Valeria's father's phone downtown?
