Chapter 4 - The Legal Execution
"This is a fabrication! An AI-generated deepfake!" Thomas Parker screamed, his voice cracking into a panicked shriek as he tried to block the cameras with his body. "Julian is trying to frame us to take the entire inheritance! Security, shut those screens off!"
The country's most feared corporate prosecutor, Victoria Hastings—whom Emily had privately retained forty-eight hours prior—stepped onto the stage, holding a thick stack of federally certified legal folders.
"The video you are watching has been fully authenticated by the State Forensic Cyber-Crime Division, Mr. Parker," Victoria Hastings announced into her own microphone, her voice sharp as a razor blade. "And it is accompanied by a formal arrest warrant issued by the King County Prosecutor's Office for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault of a vulnerable dependent, and conspiracy to commit corporate fraud."
Before Thomas could even reply, six uniform police officers and two plainclothes detectives stepped out from the main entrance of the ballroom, their heavy boots clicking loudly against the polished floor.
Victoria Parker let out a manic, animalistic scream, turning to run toward the service exit, but the four elite security guards Emily had brought instantly stepped into her path, blocking her completely.
"Victoria Parker, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Emily Parker and her unborn child," the lead detective stated, grabbing Victoria’s wrists and slamming them behind her back, the iron handcuffs clicking loudly over her expensive diamond bracelets.
"Thomas! Do something! Help me!" Victoria shrieked, her makeup running down her face in ugly, black streaks as she was dragged down the center aisle of the ballroom, her custom crimson gown tearing against the edge of a table.
Thomas fell to his knees in front of the stage, looking up at his grandfather, the aging patriarch Arthur Parker, who was sitting in the front row, his hands trembling violently against his leather cane. "Grandfather, please! I had nothing to do with this! It was all Victoria's madness! Don't let them ruin our family name!"
Arthur Parker stood up slowly, his face a mask of ancient, unyielding disgust. He looked down at his grandson with an expression of pure contempt.
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"You are no grandson of mine, Thomas," Arthur said, his voice shaking with a deep, protective rage. "You allowed your wife to bring a murderer's heart into my home. Effective immediately, I am executing the emergency clause of the Parker Family Trust. You and your bloodline are permanently stripped of all corporate shares, your residential deeds are revoked, and you are officially banished from the Parker empire."
Julian walked over to Emily, wrapping his arm securely around her waist, anchoring her against his chest as the police dragged Thomas and Victoria out into the pouring rain outside, their screams of desperate begging fading into the roar of the city traffic.
