Chapter 4 - The Mask SlipsDown in the grand drawing room, Jessica paced back and forth, her phone pressed to her ear, speaking in a hurried, panicked whisper.
"I told you, the document is in play! Just wire the remaining funds to the Cayman account and I'll catch the private chopper at midnight!" Jessica hissed into the receiver.
"You won't be catching any flights tonight, Miss Vance—or whatever your real name is," a cold, authoritative voice echoed from the doorway.
Jessica spun around, dropping her phone onto the Persian rug. Standing in the entrance was Victoria, flanked by two private security guards, with Julian standing right behind them, his expression hardened into stone.
"Julian! Thank God, security is harassing me—" Jessica started, instantly putting on her watery-eyed performance, stepping forward with trembling lips.
"Save it, Jessica," Julian interrupted, his voice devoid of any warmth. He held up the forged codicil document. "This document was printed on acid-free paper that Vance Corp hasn't used in five years. But more importantly... Mother is awake. She told me everything."
Jessica’s tearful facade shattered instantly. Her posture straightened, the trembling stopped, and a dark, venomous sneer twisted her features. She laughed—a sharp, cold sound that echoed off the high ceilings.
"You fools," Jessica spat, stepping back toward the French doors. "You really thought an empire like yours could be run by a sentimental fool like you? I was so close to draining every last cent before the board meeting next week."
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Before she could reach the patio doors, the security guards moved with lightning speed, pinning her arms behind her back and clicking the steel handcuffs around her wrists.
"Take her to the federal holding detachment," Victoria ordered smoothly, adjusting her blazer. "And make sure her corporate handlers know we're coming for them next."
