Chapter 16 - The Trap Snaps Shut
|
Eleanor tapped the first document with her pen.
“The commercial loan for Michael Vale’s restaurant is officially being called into immediate default as of 8:00 AM this morning,” Eleanor stated. “Forensic accounting has proven that Michael diverted over half a million dollars of Hawthorne funds into personal, offshore accounts. Hawthorne is currently repossessing all pledged equipment and seizing all remaining business assets.”
Michael clutched his chest, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly.
Eleanor moved to the second stack of papers. “Vanessa Vale’s boutique business accounts have been completely frozen under the fraud clauses of her lending agreement. The entire inventory currently being stored in Mrs. Vale's residential garage has been identified as illegally imported counterfeit goods.”
The county detective stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on his utility belt. “My officers are securing the garage now. The counterfeit inventory is being seized immediately as federal evidence for customs violations.”
Vanessa began to openly hyperventilate, sliding down the wall until she was crouched on the floor, clutching her perfectly styled hair.
“And finally,” Eleanor said, producing the refinancing application Vanessa had slammed on the kitchen island two days ago. “The refinancing application for this property. The electronic records, completely verified by the bank investigators present, show that Vanessa Vale uploaded a digitally forged version of Eleanor Vale’s signature to the bank portal.”
The lead bank investigator crossed his arms. “That constitutes felony bank fraud and attempted grand larceny. The application has been officially referred for criminal prosecution.”
May you like
Through the large bay windows, Michael watched in absolute horror as the burly asset recovery team forced open the garage doors. Men in jumpsuits began hauling out endless boxes of Vanessa’s fake designer bags, tossing them unceremoniously into the back of the idling moving truck.
His entire empire was being dismantled piece by piece, right before his eyes.
