Chapter 4 - The House of CardsEvery face at the table went pale.
Daniel finally noticed Evelyn Price standing by the door, and the color drained completely from his cheeks. He knew that briefcase. He knew what Evelyn represented.
“Evelyn... what is she doing here?” Daniel stammered, looking frantically around the room for support. “This is a private family gathering! You have no right—!”
“Actually, Daniel, I have every right,” Evelyn said smoothly, stepping forward and opening her leather briefcase. She pulled out a heavily stamped legal document and laid it flat on the pristine white tablecloth, right over the birthday cake.
“As of two hours ago, acting under the executive authority of the Arthur Sterling Family Trust, all corporate accounts associated with Sterling Enterprises have been frozen due to systemic financial fraud, tax evasion, and unauthorized asset liquidation,” Evelyn announced, her voice echoing off the crystal chandeliers.
Agent Marcus Vance stepped forward, flashing a federal badge.
“Daniel Sterling, you are under arrest for corporate wire fraud, embezzlement, and falsification of federal tax returns,” Marcus stated coldly, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt.
Panic exploded in the room.
Several aunts stood up, knocking their chairs backward. Cousins began grabbing their coats, desperate to distance themselves from the unfolding disaster.
Lorraine rushed forward, her face purple with fury, pointing a shaking finger at me.
“This is a lie! She set us up!” Lorraine screamed, grabbing Daniel’s arm as the federal agent stepped toward him. “She’s a gold-digger! She manipulated Arthur into signing papers when he was senile! Arrest her!”
“Arthur wasn't senile, Lorraine,” I said, looking down at my mother-in-law with absolute calm. “He was just tired of watching you and your son steal from the very company that fed you.”
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Daniel thrashed as the handcuffs clicked tightly around his wrists. “Nora! Please! Tell them this is a mistake! We’re married! You can’t do this to me!”
“We won't be married much longer, Daniel,” I replied softly, sliding the master trust deed across the table. “And as for this house? It was never yours. The trust owns it. And effective immediately, you, your mother, and your extravagant parties are officially evicted.”
