Chapter 18 - Darkness Before Dawn
The courtroom erupted into total chaos. Sterling’s lawyers attempted to block the submission of the flash drive, but the federal judge immediately ordered the digital evidence to be played on the court’s media screens.
The audio file played clearly through the courtroom speakers: Sterling’s distinct voice discussing the exact dosage of neurotoxin to use on Arthur Vance, followed by Julian Vance arranging the offshore transfer of David Miller’s stolen five hundred million dollars.
"This is a fabrication! A forgery!" Sterling screamed, his composure shattering as he backed toward the exit.
"Charles Sterling, you are under arrest for attempted murder, grand larceny, and high treason," the lead Federal Marshal announced, drawing his sidearm. Sterling was tackled to the floor and handcuffed right in front of the judge’s bench, his face pressed against the cold marble floor.
Despite the legal victory, the battle was not over. As news of Sterling's arrest broke across national television, Julian Vance’s remaining private security forces—realizing their entire empire was crumbling—launched a desperate, scorched-earth attack on the Vance estate to destroy the backup servers and eliminate any remaining family members.
Lily rushed back to Mount Sinai Hospital, where the medical team brought incredible news: the antidote synthesized from the evidence drive had worked. Arthur Vance was awake and regaining his strength.
"Lily... my brave girl," Arthur whispered, his hands trembling as he reached for hers from the hospital bed. "Ethan told me everything. You saved us again."
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"We're not safe yet, Arthur," Lily said urgently. "Julian’s men are burning down the family estate to destroy the secondary records. Ethan and Marcus are trapped in the safe room!"
Arthur’s eyes hardened with newfound strength. "Then we finish this together. Right now."
