Chapter 4 - The Law of Return
Before Daniel could scream or attempt to destroy the physical files on the table, the boardroom doors opened a second time. Two federal agents from the Department of Labor’s Racketeering Division walked in, followed by two local police officers.
"Daniel Blackwood?" the lead officer asked, walking straight toward my husband.
"This is absurd!" Richard yelled, trying to block the officer. "You can't arrest him in my building! Do you know who I am?"
"We know exactly who you are, sir," the officer replied, pushing past him. "Daniel Blackwood, you are under arrest for corporate embezzlement, wire fraud, and felony domestic assault."
Daniel backed away until his spine hit the glass windows overlooking the city. "Assault? I didn't assault anyone! She fell! She's making it up to get a better divorce settlement!"
Maya Chen stepped to the projector controls and hit play.
The high-definition security footage from the porch filled the entire wall of the boardroom. The sound was crystal clear. The audio echoed through the room: “A useless wife doesn’t deserve a seat at our table,” Daniel’s voice snarled from the speakers. Then came Patricia's voice laughing, followed by the sickening sound of my body striking the stone steps.
The board members gasped, looking away from the screen in absolute disgust. The police officers didn't waste another second. They grabbed Daniel, kicked his legs out from under him, and forced him onto the carpet, cuffing his hands tightly behind his back.
"Evelyn! Please!" Daniel shrieked, his face pressed against the floor, mirroring the exact position he had put me in less than twelve hours ago. "Tell them it was a mistake! I love you! I was stressed about the company! My mom forced me to be hard on you!"
"Take him away," the officer said.
As they dragged him out, screaming and crying, I turned my attention to Richard, who was shaking violently, clutching his chest.
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"You're a monster," Richard whispered, his voice stripped of all its former aristocratic grandeur. "You destroyed my family. You destroyed our name."
"Your son destroyed your name, Richard. I just gave you the bill," I said, standing up and straightening my jacket. "Oh, and by the way, the police are currently at the estate executing a search warrant. Your wife, Patricia, is being detained for questioning as an accessory to both the embezzlement and the assault. I suggest you find a good lawyer. You're going to need one."
