Chapter 6 - The Federal Audit
The real reason Ethan’s legal team had been frantically messaging him all evening wasn't just a corporate coup—it was the discovery of a massive, multi-million-dollar fraud ring operating out of the Bellweather Grill.
For two years, Richard had been forging vendor invoices and skimming profits from the restaurant’s premium event bookings, funneling the stolen money into offshore accounts to fund his lavish lifestyle and luxury cars.
He had planned to use his stolen wealth to completely crush Maya in family court, believing he was untouchable.
Within eight minutes, three black executive SUVs pulled up outside the restaurant, their headlights illuminating the falling snow.
Four Mercer Global corporate attorneys and two federal financial investigators stepped through the front doors, holding court-sealed asset freeze warrants.
The lead investigator walked straight past the trembling hostess, stopping in front of Richard with an expression of cold disgust.
"Richard Vance, we have secured the digital wire transfers linking your private accounts to the missing corporate funds," the investigator announced loudly.
"No! Wait! It was a clerical error!" Richard wept hysterically, dropping to his knees right in the middle of his own restaurant. "Maya! Tell them I'm a good father! Tell them!"
Maya looked down at the pathetic, broken man who had tormented her for years, pulling Lily securely into her arms.
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"You haven't been a father in years, Richard," Maya said with quiet, dignified finality.
👉 Read Part 7 to see Richard escorted out in handcuffs on New Year's Eve.
