Chapter 13 - THE FALL OF AN EMPRESS
Chaos broke out as Victoria tried to bolt toward the kitchen service exit.
Two federal agents intercepted her instantly, slamming her expensive designer coat against the marble pillar.
“Get your hands off me!” Victoria screamed, kicking and scratching like a trapped animal.
“Do you know who I am?! I am Victoria Vance!”
“You’re a felon, Mrs. Vance,” the lead agent said coldly, slapping heavy steel cuffs onto her wrists.
“Charged with kidnapping, wire fraud, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder.”
The handcuffs clicked into place with a sharp, final sound.
Victoria slumped against the pillar, her empire of lies crumbling into dust around her feet.
Across the ballroom, police officers arrested the two masked enforcers, stripping away their tactical masks.
Arthur Pendelton was escorted down the grand staircase by two officers who had freed him from the bridal suite.
He walked slowly toward the center of the ballroom.
Sarah stood frozen, watching him approach.
Tears streamed freely down her face, cutting clean tracks through the mud and makeup on her cheeks.
Arthur stopped two feet away from her.
“Are you alright, sweetheart?” Arthur asked softly, his voice trembling.
“You’re bleeding,” Sarah whispered, reaching out to touch the bruise on his cheek.
“I’ve had worse,” Arthur smiled through his tears.
“I’ve spent thirty years missing you.”
“A bruised cheek is a small price to pay to finally hold you again.”
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Sarah let out a choked sob and threw her arms around her father’s neck.
Arthur buried his face in her hair, holding her as tightly as he had the day she was born.
