Victoria: You think you can destroy my family's reputation and walk away, Marcus?
Victoria stood in the middle of Marcus’s private estate office, flanked by her wealthy father, Arthur Vance, and three corporate lawyers.
Marcus: You knew, didn't you? You knew Eleanor took my daughters and dropped them off at that shelter!
Arthur: Don't be naive, Marcus. In business, collateral damage happens. Eleanor came to us five years ago needing cash. My company bought out your estate’s debt in exchange for keeping your family baggage out of the news.
Marcus: You paid her off to keep my children hidden so I would marry your daughter and merge our tech patents!
Victoria: It was a business decision! You were broken after your accident, Marcus! You needed us to rebuild your company! What did two little kids matter compared to a multi-billion dollar merger?
Marcus: They are my blood! My life!
Arthur: They were a distraction! And now, because of your little stunt at the church, our stock price dropped ten percent this morning. You will sign over the remaining share of your patents to us right now, or I will ensure the state places those girls in permanent foster care!
Marcus: You think you control the judge, Arthur?
Arthur: I donate millions to the family court system in Dallas. Who do you think the judge will believe—a recovering coma patient who abandoned his wedding, or a respected civic leader?
The grand double doors of the office opened, and District Attorney Robert Vance walked in, accompanied by four federal agents.
District Attorney Vance: Actually Arthur, I think the judge will believe the wiretap evidence we gathered over the last six hours.
Arthur: Robert? What is the meaning of this intrusion?!
District Attorney Vance: Arthur Vance, you and your daughter Victoria are under arrest for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, falsification of state records, and paying bribes to conceal child trafficking.
Victoria: What?! Father, do something! Call our lawyers!
District Attorney Vance: Your lawyers are being served sub-poenas as we speak. Eleanor confessed twenty minutes ago in federal custody. She gave us the bank accounts you used to hide the funds.
Marcus: It’s over, Victoria. Your empire is done.
Victoria: Marcus, please! We can fix this! I loved you!
Marcus: You loved my money and my patents. Get them out of my house.
Federal agents placed handcuffs on Victoria and her father, leading them out of the marble foyer while news crews gathered outside the iron gates of the estate.
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