Chapter 10 - The Uninvited Guests
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Everett’s eyebrows furrowed in irritation, but as he turned back toward the glass doors, his expression instantly froze.
Down the long, paved driveway, three sleek black SUVs accompanied by four marked State Police cruisers were roaring toward the mansion. The gravel crunched loudly as the vehicles executed a precision park, blocking every exit from the property.
“What on earth is this?” Warren shouted, dropping his newspaper as he jumped to his feet. “Who dared call the police to my home?!”
Before Everett could move toward the foyer, the heavy oak front doors were pushed open. Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor as a dozen uniformed officers and plainclothes investigators swept into the residence.
Leading the group was Detective Samuel Ortiz, holding a federal search warrant in his gloved hand. Beside him walked State Attorney Julian Reeve, flanked by Nora Vale and a team of Child Protective Services specialists.
Behind them stepped Dr. Lydia Mercer—the chief of obstetric medicine at the regional medical center, and one of Celeste’s fiercest political rivals.
Everett rushed into the foyer, his face flushed with rage. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?! Do you know who I am? My father donates millions to—”
“Everett Vance,” Detective Ortiz interrupted calmly, holding up the warrant. “We are executing an emergency protective order and a search warrant regarding ongoing domestic violence, physical assault, medical tampering, and conspiracy to commit financial fraud.”
Celeste marched out of the dining room, her pearls shaking with fury. “This is an outrage! This is a simple family matter! My daughter-in-law is hysterically unstable!”
State Attorney Julian Reeve stepped forward, a cold, dangerous smile on his face as he looked at Celeste.
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“Good morning, Celeste. It’s been a while since we worked together,” Julian said smoothly. “I believe you remember Marian Cole? Former Senior Forensic Auditor for the State Department?”
Everett blinked, his head snapping toward me in total confusion. “Former... what?”
