Chapter 4 - Protocol Black Unleashed
Outside the study, unaware of the trap snapping shut inside, Jessica was enjoying a glass of sparkling water in the sunroom. She was already mentally rearranging the furniture, calculating how much she could get for my antique French armoire on the luxury resale market.
Her phone buzzed violently on the glass table.
An unknown number.
She swiped to answer, expecting a call from a caterer or a high-end interior designer.
"Hello?" she snapped impatiently.
"Ms. Arden," a crisp, emotionless voice spoke through the receiver. "This is Special Agent Miller with the federal financial crimes task force. We are currently executing a search warrant on your primary residence and all associated financial accounts."
Jessica froze, her glass slipping from her fingers and shattering against the marble floor. Water splashed across her designer shoes.
"My... my residence? What are you talking about?" she stammered, her voice pitching upward in panic. "I am a private designer! I have nothing to do with—"
"You are listed as the primary beneficiary on three separate offshore shell companies funded by capital transfers initiated from David Vance’s corporate accounts," the agent interrupted smoothly. "Furthermore, federal investigators have recovered text messages between you and Mr. Vance detailing the timeline of the target’s predicted expiration date and the subsequent distribution of assets."
"That's a lie!" Jessica screamed, drawing the startled attention of two caterers walking past the doorway. She lowered her voice, pressing the phone frantically to her ear. "David handled all of that! He told me the money was clean! He told me she was signing it over willingly!"
"Mr. Vance is currently in custody answering questions regarding homicide," the agent replied coldly. "Your assets are frozen effective immediately. Do not attempt to leave the city."
The line went dead.
Jessica stood trembling in the middle of the sunroom, her carefully constructed future dissolving into dust in a matter of seconds. She had spent two years playing the long game, whispering poison into David’s ear, convincing him that his wife was an obstacle holding back his true potential. She had believed she was the mastermind behind the operation.
She didn't realize she was just a pawn in a game designed by an expert chess player.
Rushing toward the front hallway, desperate to find David and demand answers, Jessica pushed open the double doors of the foyer—only to find herself face-to-face with four uniformed police officers blocking the exit.
"Ms. Arden," the lead officer said, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt. "Step away from the door, please."
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"You can't do this!" she shrieked, backing away as cameras from paparazzi gathered outside flashed through the glass windows. "Do you know who my family is? Do you know who David is?"
"Mr. Vance is currently discovering exactly who he is," the officer replied, his grip firm as he grabbed her wrist. "And now, so are you."
