Chapter 3: Checkmate
Vivian realized she had already lost.
Panic erased every trace of elegance.
Without warning, she spun toward the mansion.
If she could reach her car...
If she could disappear before the police arrived...
She might still have a chance.
She barely made it two steps.
The massive front doors swung open.
Two detectives walked calmly into the courtyard.
Badges flashed beneath the afternoon sun.
"Vivian Vance."
The lead detective's voice was steady.
"You're under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, corporate fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement."
"No!"
She jerked backward.
"You can't arrest me!"
"You don't know who I am!"
The detective calmly secured one wrist.
"You have the right to remain silent."
Vivian exploded.
She kicked.
Screamed.
Scratched.
One silver stiletto snapped clean in half against the marble.
The sophisticated socialite vanished.
In her place stood a terrified criminal watching her empire collapse.
As officers placed handcuffs around her wrists, she twisted toward Julian.
Hatred burned in her eyes.
"You planned this!"
"You humiliated me!"
Julian adjusted the knot of his navy silk tie.
His face remained unreadable.
"No."
He spoke quietly.
"You humiliated yourself."
"I simply stopped protecting you from the consequences."
The words struck harder than the handcuffs.
Without another glance, Julian turned his back.
By the time the estate gates opened again...
May you like
Vivian Vance left them in the back seat of a police cruiser.
Never to return.
