Chapter 8 - The Return of the Patriarch
Everyone in the foyer turned their heads toward the staircase.
Arthur walked down the steps slowly and deliberately. He was no longer wearing his wet blue silk pajamas. He was dressed in a pristine, custom-tailored navy suit, a crisp white shirt, and a silk tie, carrying himself with the formidable dignity of a world-renowned surgeon.
His white hair was neatly styled, his beard trimmed, and his eyes burned with an unforgiving intensity.
"Dad..." Julian gasped, taking a timid step back. "Please tell me this is a mistake."
"The only mistake made in this house, Julian, was believing you had the backbone to respect your father," Arthur said, his voice ringing through the vast high-ceiling room like a tolling bell.
Before Valeria could offer a word of defense, the heavy oak front doors flew open once again.
Jonathan Vance stepped into the mansion, flanked by two uniformed police officers and Detective Miller from the financial crimes division.
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"Valeria Vance-Sterling?" Detective Miller called out, pulling a set of steel handcuffs from his belt.
👉 What crucial piece of evidence did Jonathan present in front of the entire room?
