CHAPTER 4 — The Fall of Julian Vance
CHAPTER 4 — The Fall of Julian Vance
Three weeks later, Julian hosted a charity gala celebrating his company's expansion.
Television cameras filled the ballroom.
Business leaders applauded.
Amelia stood proudly beside him.
Then the giant screen behind the stage suddenly changed.
The presentation disappeared.
Hospital footage filled the room.
Julian's voice echoed across the ballroom.
"It's done."
"The divorce is final."
"The inheritance will be ours."
Silence.
Then came another recording.
Bank fraud.
Forgery.
Tax evasion.
Identity fraud.
Every crime.
Every lie.
Every victim.
Police officers entered through every entrance.
"Julian Vance."
"You're under arrest."
He spun toward Amelia.
"You knew!"
She stepped backward.
"I thought you loved me."
Julian looked around desperately.
Everyone who had applauded moments earlier now avoided his eyes.
Then Valeria walked onto the stage.
Calm.
Elegant.
May you like
Untouched.
"This," she said softly, "is what the truth looks like."
