Chapter 8 - The Final Fall
Panic erupted around Viktor Kaine as four Interpol officers in dark suits cut through the crowd near the museum’s grand staircase.
"Viktor Kaine," the lead Interpol agent announced, displaying an international arrest warrant. "You are under arrest for corporate espionage, illegal market manipulation, and money laundering."
Kaine dropped his champagne glass, backing away in horror. "No! This is a mistake! My lawyers—"
"Your lawyers were detained at the airport an hour ago, Mr. Kaine," the officer interrupted, placing heavy iron cuffs over his wrists.
Vanessa stumbled back, clutching her green dress, looking around frantically as guests pulled out their phones, filming her second public collapse in less than two months.
"Viktor! Do something!" she shrieked, grabbing his arm.
Kaine shoved her away violently, his face distorted with rage. "Get away from me, you stupid bitch! You told me he was predictable! You told me he was compromised! You ruined me!"
Vanessa hit the polished floor, her emerald gown bunching around her knees, her diamonds scattering across the stone. She looked up, her eyes wild, her hair disheveled, as Interpol dragged Kaine away through the shouting crowd.
She was completely alone. No money. No influence. No allies.
I walked over, stopping in front of her, looking down at her with calm, absolute finality.
"I told you once before, Vanessa," I said, my voice echoing clearly over the hushed crowd. "The accident didn't break me. It revealed you."
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Two female police officers stepped forward, lifting Vanessa from the floor. Because of her direct involvement in Kaine’s financial espionage ring and her previous forged documents, she was officially placed under arrest as an co-conspirator to international fraud.
As the officers led her away in handcuffs, she looked back at Clara and me one last time. Her eyes were hollow, empty, filled with the devastating realization that the man she had tried to destroy had risen higher than ever—and the quiet girl she had tried to throw onto the street was now standing by his side.
