Chapter 6 - THE FALL OF CASSANDRA
The dawn brought a storm of sirens and flashing lights to the Vance estate. Arthur did not handle things entirely in the shadows when it came to sending a message. He wanted the world to witness Cassandra’s destruction.
A fleet of state police cruisers and FBI vehicles filled the driveway. Arthur stood on the grand marble steps of the mansion, holding Mia securely in his arms, wrapped in a thick, luxurious cashmere coat. The press had already caught wind of the commotion, and helicopters circled overhead like vultures.
The heavy front doors opened, and Cassandra was dragged out by two federal agents in handcuffs. Her glamorous dress was ruined, her face a mask of absolute terror and defeat. She looked utterly broken. As she was hauled down the steps, she locked eyes with Arthur.
"Arthur, please!" she begged, her voice raw. "Don't do this! I'll give you everything back!"
Arthur looked down at her with eyes as cold as the bottom of the ocean. "You have nothing I want, Cassandra. I am going to make sure you live a very long, very healthy life in a concrete box. I have purchased the private prison you are going to. I own the warden. I own the guards. You will never see the sun again."
Cassandra screamed, a haunting, wretched sound, as she was shoved into the back of an armored police transport. The chef followed shortly after, equally broken, his head hanging low in shame and terror.
Arthur turned away from the spectacle, pulling Mia closer to his chest. "Are you scared, little one?" he asked softly.
May you like
Mia shook her head, resting her cheek against his shoulder. "No. Not anymore."
Inside his private study, Arthur initiated the legal whirlwind. He summoned his army of lawyers, demanding the immediate, irrevocable legal adoption of Mia, establishing her formally as Mia Vance, the sole heir to his empire. He ordered a massive restructuring of his security protocols, fired anyone who had even passing loyalty to Cassandra, and initiated a foundation in Eleanor’s name to fund and reform the city’s orphanages. The dark cloud that had hovered over the Vance empire for five years was violently, decisively ripped away.
