Chapter 19: The Prosecutor’s New Evidence
Within two hours of my conversation with Maya, the secure legal conference room on the top floor of Vance Global headquarters was filled with crisp paperwork, glowing computer monitors, and an air of absolute determination.
My father sat at the head of the conference table, his expression grave as he reviewed the decrypted Swiss trust documents that Maya’s investigative team had transmitted securely through our corporate servers.
Arthur Vance stood near the projection screen, while our lead corporate litigator, Mr. Vance’s senior counsel Marcus Thorne, adjusted his glasses.
"This changes the entire landscape of the federal case against Dominic Sterling," Marcus said, tapping a pen against the stack of papers. "Up until now, his defense strategy rested entirely on plausible deniability—claiming he was merely an ignorant son-in-law exploited by Richard Davis."
"And with these documents?" my father asked, his voice steady and cold.
"With these documents, it proves premeditated, active conspiracy," Marcus answered clearly. "Dominic was not only aware of the offshore shell companies; he was the designated primary heir to the liquidated proceeds of Apex Holdings. When Davis Pharmaceuticals collapsed, Dominic wasn't an innocent victim—he was trying to secure his cut of the stolen capital."
I sat across from them, resting my hands comfortably over my bump. The initial shock had worn off, replaced by a cold, clinical acceptance of who Dominic truly was.
"How long before the federal prosecutor can incorporate this into the upcoming indictment?" I asked.
"We’ve already transmitted the encrypted files directly to Assistant United States Attorney Vance—no relation to us," Marcus smiled faintly. "Given the weight of the evidence, they’ll file a superseding indictment by tomorrow morning. Which means Dominic’s proposed plea deal is officially off the table."
My father looked over at me, his expression softening with paternal pride. "Are you sure you want to push this all the way, Vivienne? Letting the legal system take its natural course is one thing, but ensuring he faces maximum sentencing..."
"Dad," I interrupted gently, meeting his eyes with absolute clarity. "Dominic spent three years lying to my face, letting his family humiliate me, and plotting to secure his financial future through illegal fraud while calling me 'dead weight.' He made his bed. I am simply making sure he lies in it."
My father nodded slowly, a proud smile touching the corners of his mouth. "Then we let the law take its course."
"Arthur," I instructed, turning toward our chief of security.
"Yes, Ms. Vance?"
"Send the complete forensic package to the prosecutor's office with our compliments. Make sure they have everything they need for tomorrow morning's filing."
May you like
"Consider it done," Arthur replied with a sharp nod.
Little did we know, down at the federal holding facility, Dominic Sterling was currently celebrating what he believed was his impending escape from prison—completely unaware of the storm about to break over his head.
