"My mother doesn't take orders from me, Julian," Maya said softly, her voice steady and resonant. "And I no longer take lies from you."
"Maya, please!" Julian fell to one knee right there on the sidewalk of Fifth Avenue, clutching the hem of her oatmeal coat. "Think about our child! You can't ruin me like this!"
Evelyn stepped between them, her high heel coming down firmly between Julian's hands and Maya's coat.
"Our legal team has already filed for an expedited annulment on grounds of fraud," Evelyn stated coldly. "Furthermore, federal marshals are currently serving search warrants at Vance Capital's headquarters on Park Avenue."
Two black unmarked sedans pulled up behind the Navigator. Four federal agents in dark suits stepped out onto the sidewalk, walking directly toward Julian.
Chapter 6: The Long Drive Home
The lead federal agent walked up to Julian, who was still kneeling on the pavement in his expensive suit.
"Julian Vance?" the agent asked flatly. "You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit grand larceny, bank fraud, and falsification of financial records."