Chapter 7 - The Arrival of Eleanor and Sarah
Before the deputies could snap the cuffs around Eric’s wrists, the glass double doors of the office flew open, and a chorus of clicking heels echoed down the corridor.
Eleanor, majestic and furious in her designer cashmere coat, stormed into the room followed closely by Sarah and Richard. They looked like an invading army that had just realized their supply lines had been cut.
“Eric, darling, what is the meaning of this?” Eleanor demanded, her voice cutting through the tension like a broken glass. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the sheriff’s deputies standing on either side of her son. “Why are there police officers in your office? And why is Sarah’s corporate line locked down? The private equity wire was supposed to clear at three o'clock!”
“It didn't clear, Eleanor,” I said, stepping out from the shadow of Arthur Vance’s towering frame.
Sarah gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Clara? Why aren't you in Paris? What are you doing here?”
“I missed my flight,” I replied smoothly, meeting Sarah’s wide-eyed panic with a cold, level stare. “I decided I’d rather stay home and audit my husband’s financial records instead. It turns out the ROI on staying home is significantly higher.”
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Richard took a threatening step forward, his face twisting into an ugly sneer. “You vindictive bitch! You’re destroying Nebula Systems just to spite a marital dispute! That money was earmarked for restructuring!”
“That money was stolen from my retirement and investment accounts without my consent, Richard,” I countered, my voice ringing out with absolute authority. “And as for Nebula Systems, your company has been insolvent for eighteen months. My forensic accountant proved it before lunch.”
