Chapter 44 - The Arrest
|
"This is absurd," Arthur stammered, taking a panicked step backward. He looked wildly at the flashing cameras and the crowd of elites who were now staring at him with open disgust. "This is a private legal dispute. You have no right to ambush me in public."
"You made it public when you leaked false stories to smear a teenage girl's reputation," Marcus said, his voice cold and completely devoid of mercy.
Before Arthur could formulate another lie or attempt to flee the gallery, the heavy glass doors of the museum opened again. Two uniformed police officers, accompanied by a plainclothes detective, walked purposefully into the main hall. They bypassed the art exhibits and headed directly for our small, tense circle.
"Arthur Pendelton?" the detective asked, flashing his gold badge.
Arthur’s junior associate immediately took three steps away, entirely abandoning his boss to save his own career.
"Yes, but this is a massive misunderstanding," Arthur pleaded, his voice cracking with sheer desperation.
"Arthur Pendelton, you are under arrest for perjury, extortion, and multiple counts of corporate fraud," the detective stated clearly, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. "Turn around and place your hands behind your back."
The reporters descended like a pack of wolves, snapping dozens of photographs as the arrogant, untouchable lawyer was forcefully spun around and handcuffed right in front of the majestic art displays. Arthur didn't fight back; he simply lowered his head in utter, devastating defeat.
As the police marched him out of the gallery, the entire room erupted into frantic, buzzing whispers. The man who had tried to destroy the exhibition had just provided it with the most dramatic, sensationalized publicity imaginable.
May you like
Marcus wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. "The dragons are officially slain," he whispered in my ear.
"All of them," I agreed, a massive, unshakeable sense of relief washing over my soul.
