Chapter 7 - THE FALL OF STERLING
While we drove,
the world outside began to dismantle Richard Sterling's life.
With a single phone call from the SUV's encrypted line,
Vanguard Global began its assault.
Richard's bank accounts,
those "exclusive marital assets,"
were flagged for international fraud.
The "valid prenuptial agreement" was being scrutinized by a team of fifty lawyers,
who found the hidden clauses Richard had used to cheat the system.
His company's stock began a precipitous,
unexplained freefall.
By the time the Mercedes was allowed to leave the plaza,
Richard was already technically bankrupt.
He didn't know it yet,
but his high-priced lawyer had already received a termination notice.
Every door in the city was closing to him.
The mistress,
still clutching the necklace,
would soon find that she was holding a piece of evidence,
not a trophy.
Police reports were being filed for the theft of the jewelry.
The "routine" divorce was turning into a criminal investigation.
Alexander Vance sat beside me,
watching the data scroll across a hidden screen.
He didn't look happy,
he just looked efficient.
Justice,
to him,
was a series of calculated moves.
I watched his profile in the dim light.
He was a man of immense gravity,
pulling everything into his orbit.
And for some reason,
he had decided that I was the center of his universe.
I felt the baby move again,
this time a gentle,
soothing roll.
For the first time in months,
I didn't feel afraid of the future.
I felt as though a wall had been built around us.
A wall made of steel,
May you like
money,
and the silent promise of a billionaire.
