Chapter 13
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The federal courthouse was a massive, imposing structure of cold grey stone and echoing marble hallways. Julian was led into the arraignment courtroom wearing a bright orange, ill-fitting prison jumpsuit, a stark, humiliating contrast to the bespoke Italian suits he had worn just forty-eight hours prior. His wrists and ankles were chained together, forcing him to shuffle pathetically across the polished floor.
The gallery was absolutely packed. Journalists, former business rivals, and curious onlookers filled every available wooden bench, eager to witness the official downfall of a notorious billionaire tyrant.
Sitting in the very front row, looking entirely composed and perfectly immaculate in a grey business suit, was Karen. She did not look away when Julian was led to the defense table. She met his terrified, desperate gaze with eyes that were entirely devoid of pity.
"All rise," the bailiff boomed as the honorable Judge Harrison took the bench.
Judge Harrison was notoriously harsh on white-collar criminals. He looked down at Julian over his reading glasses, his expression radiating absolute disdain.
"Mr. Vance, you are charged with a thirty-two count federal indictment, including massive wire fraud, grand larceny, and the egregious embezzlement of a minor's protected trust fund," Judge Harrison read from the thick file. "How do you plead?"
Julian’s public defender, an exhausted, overworked man in a cheap suit, stood up. "Not guilty, Your Honor. And we request reasonable bail, given that my client has deep ties to the community and poses absolutely no flight risk."
District Attorney Sterling stood up instantly, completely dominating the courtroom.
"Objection, Your Honor," Sterling boomed. "The defendant is an extreme flight risk. He possesses intimate knowledge of international offshore banking routes. Furthermore, he has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to threaten and manipulate witnesses, particularly his estranged wife, who is seated in the gallery today."
Judge Harrison nodded, looking back at Julian.
"The scope of this fraud is staggering," the judge declared loudly. "Given the defendant's proven history of financial manipulation and the severe weight of the charges, I am setting bail at fifty million dollars, cash only. No bond allowances."
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Julian gasped, his knees buckling slightly, forcing the federal marshals to hold him up. Fifty million cash was completely impossible. All his assets were frozen.
"The defendant is remanded to county custody pending trial," Judge Harrison slammed his heavy wooden gavel down, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silent room. "Take him away."
