Chapter 15 - The Vanished File|
"Richard Cole, you are under arrest for extortion, corporate fraud, and market manipulation," the lead federal marshal announced, stepping behind Richard and snapping steel handcuffs around his wrists.
"Father!" Vanessa screamed, jumping up from her chair in pure terror. "Do something! Lawyers, stop them!"
The six corporate lawyers quickly packed their briefcases and backed away, refusing to touch the case.
"You can't do this to me!" Richard roared as he was pulled toward the exit. "I built this city! Adrien, I'll destroy you!"
"You're done, Richard," Adrien said coldly as the marshals dragged the old man out the double doors.
Vanessa stood alone at the table, her high-fashion mask completely shattered, tears running down her face. She looked at Adrien, her eyes filled with desperate, frantic begging.
"Adrien... please," Vanessa sobbed, stepping toward him. "I didn't know he did that! I was just trying to protect our wedding! Please, talk to the marshals, tell them to let him go!"
Adrien looked at her with pure, unadulterated coldness.
"You tried to cut a three-year-old child's hair with heavy shears because you thought she was trash," Adrien said softly. "You and your father deserve every single day you're going to spend behind bars."
Vanessa choked on her sob as security guards stepped in, escorting her out of the building to face her own questioning.
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Adrien turned to the thirty stunned board members. "The Cole investment is canceled. Hastings Enterprises is taking full ownership of the waterfront project."
The board members immediately stood up, bursting into thunderous applause.
