My first wedding anniversary was supposed to celebrate the happiest decision of my life. Instead, I woke up chained in front of dozens of guests while my husband stood over me with a hammer, his mistress held scissors beside my face, and the people drinking champagne in my home watched as if my suffering were entertainment. / Chapter 25 / 60

Chapter 25 - The Trial of Brandon

The five Capos stared at the open ledger on the table. The numbers were irrefutable—detailed bank transfers, shell corporations, and offshore accounts documenting over forty million dollars siphoned from the family's shipping routes.

Sal Rossi turned pale. Lorenzo shifted uncomfortably in his leather chair.

"You thought my father was an old man who didn't check his numbers," I said softly, taking my seat at the head of the table while Cooper laid down at my feet. "And you thought I was a stupid girl who only cared about interior decorating and country clubs."

"Emily... Sovereign," Lorenzo stammered, raising his hands. "We were holding those funds in reserve! In case of a federal indictment! It was for the protection of the family!"

"Lie to me again, Lorenzo, and I'll have Viktor cut your tongue out," I replied without raising my voice. "The money was transferred directly into account numbers registered to Vance Legal Holdings."

Every head turned to look at Arthur Vance, who was standing quietly in the corner of the room. The lawyer didn't flinch, though a bead of cold sweat formed near his temple.

"Bring in the prisoner," I ordered.

The side doors opened, and two guards dragged Brandon into the boardroom.

My husband was barely recognizable. He hadn't shaved in three weeks. His designer suit was torn, stained, and filthy from weeks in the wine cellar. His left arm hung awkwardly at his side from a dislocated shoulder, and his eyes were hollowed out by fear and isolation.

When he saw me sitting at the head of the mahogany table, surrounded by the most dangerous men in the state, he collapsed onto his knees, sobbing pathetically.

"Emily! Emily, please!" Brandon wept, reaching his trembling hands toward me. "I'm sorry! I'll sign anything! I'll give you back the companies! Just let me go home!"

I looked down at him with absolute disgust. "You don't have a home, Brandon. You have a trial."

I pointed my gold-headed cane directly at his nose. "Tell the Council who paid you to drug me on our anniversary. Tell them who gave you the framing hammer."

Brandon squeezed his eyes shut, shaking violently. "It... it was Marcus Kane! Kane said if I forced you to sign the transfer papers, he would make me CEO of the entire shipping division!"