Chapter 5: Justice Cannot Be Bought
Chapter 5: Justice Cannot Be Bought
Ethan took one desperate step backward.
"My father can fix this."
Victor quickly nodded.
"We'll settle."
"Name your price."
I almost laughed.
"For years..."
"That's how you've solved every problem."
"You thought every victim had a number."
I slowly removed the engagement ring from my finger.
It wasn't jewelry.
It was a secure authorization key.
I placed it against the podium.
The ballroom lights dimmed again.
A final document appeared on every screen.
A federal investigation.
Months of financial records.
Offshore accounts.
Bribery payments.
Tax fraud.
Illegal construction contracts.
Forgery.
Witness intimidation.
The evidence stretched for years.
Alexander looked at Victor without emotion.
"You were never invited here for charity."
"You were invited because tonight was the safest place to arrest everyone involved."
As if on cue, federal agents entered through the newly unlocked service entrance.
One by one, arrest warrants were read aloud.
Ethan's shoulders collapsed.
Victor closed his eyes.
For the first time in decades, the Caldwell family had no influence left to spend.
Only consequences remained.
As officers led them away in handcuffs, Ethan looked back at me.
"Why didn't you stop this?"
I met his eyes.
May you like
"Because justice only works..."
"...when people finally run out of places to hide."
