Chapter 9 - The Final Piece
Detective Miller looked up toward the balcony. He slowly stood to his full height, his eyes locking onto the pale, trembling figure of Vanessa Harrington.
He didn't yell. He didn't need to. He spoke with a loud, projecting voice that commanded the absolute attention of every single person in the massive room.
"Vanessa Harrington," Detective Miller stated, turning toward the emerald-dressed woman. "We have been investigating this family's corporate empire for eight months. We knew about the embezzlement, the offshore accounts, and the witness intimidation."
Vanessa gripped the railing, her entire body shaking violently. "You... you have no proof! This is my house! You cannot barge in here!"
"We had enough proof to build a case," Miller continued calmly, ignoring her outburst. "But we needed proof of exactly how far you were willing to go to protect your stolen empire. This unprovoked, attempted lethal assault on a pregnant woman was the final piece of evidence we needed."
Vanessa’s confident, arrogant smile completely disappeared. The realization of what had just happened crashed down upon her. Olivia hadn't come to the party to negotiate. She had come as bait.
"No…" Vanessa stammered, stepping backward, her eyes darting frantically around the room looking for an escape that didn't exist. "You don’t understand… she was stealing from me!"
Detective Miller calmly interrupted, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his belt.
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"We understand perfectly, Mrs. Harrington. You are under arrest for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and massive corporate fraud. Officers, secure the suspect."
Two tactical officers immediately rushed up the stairs, grabbing Vanessa by the arms and forcing her wrists behind her back. The sharp click of the handcuffs echoed like a gunshot in the silent ballroom.
