Chapter 4 - The Downfall
Preston fell back into his chair, his hands clutching his head as the reality of his total destruction crushed him.
"Eleanor... please," Preston choked out, tears of panic finally breaking through his stoic mask. "I made a mistake! I was manipulated! Sloane came after me! She threatened to go to the press if I didn't give her money!"
"Liars always blame each other when the ship sinks," Eleanor replied, her voice remaining low and controlled.
The state official stepped forward, pulling a blue folder from his coat. "Preston Hale, pursuant to an emergency injunction issued by the Supreme Court of New York, all your bank accounts, credit lines, and corporate properties have been frozen as of six o'clock tonight. You are hereby served with a formal subpoena for federal grand jury indictment."
The crowd erupted into chaotic whispers. Camera flashes illuminated the ballroom like lightning strikes.
Sloane scrambled backward, trying to melt into the crowd of onlookers. "I have nothing to do with this! I'm just his girlfriend!"
"Miss Avery," Mason interjected smoothly, signaling to the plainclothes officer behind him. "The shell company bearing your name was used to purchase a luxury penthouse on 5th Avenue using stolen trust funds. You are named as a co-conspirator in federal wire fraud."
The officer stepped up to Sloane, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his jacket. "Sloane Avery, you need to come with us for questioning."
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"Don't touch me!" Sloane screamed, her glamorous facade completely shattering into pathetic, sobbing panic as the officer secured her arms behind her champagne-satin gown. "Preston, do something! Help me!"
Preston didn't even look at her. He sat frozen, staring at the floor as his mistress was led away in shame past Manhattan’s elite.
