Chapter 4: The Fall of the Empire
"You have no jurisdiction here!" Julian screamed, his facade crumbling as the news cameras pivoted from him to the imposing figure of the General.
"Actually, I do," General Sterling replied, stepping up to the stage. He gestured to Major Hayes, who plugged a encrypted drive into the gala’s main audiovisual system.
Suddenly, the massive screens behind Julian—which were supposed to display his philanthropic achievements—flickered. They began projecting bank statements, wire transfers to offshore accounts, and audio recordings.
The ballroom erupted in whispers.
“Is that... bribery?” a senator muttered.
“He used fake concrete in the veteran housing project?” another guest gasped.
"Julian Vance," the General spoke clearly, "you are being investigated for federal fraud, extortion, bribery of government officials, and the willful endangerment of public safety."
Julian panicked. He looked around for his allies. "Senator! Tell him! Tell him you vouch for me!"
The Senator, realizing his own career was on the line if he associated with Vance, turned his back and walked out of the room. One by one, the elite guests—the people Julian thought he had bought—began to leave.
"You did this because of a stupid delivery boy?!" Julian screamed, losing his mind. He pointed a trembling finger at Leo. "All of this for a peasant?!"
General Sterling stepped between Julian and his son.
"I did this because a man who believes he is above the law is a threat to everyone," the General said. "But you made one fatal mistake, Vance. You thought wealth gave you the right to strip a child of his dignity. My son works as a delivery boy to understand the struggle of everyday people—something you clearly forgot."
The FBI, having coordinated with the military task force, entered from the side doors. Agents approached the stage with handcuffs.
"Julian Vance, you are under arrest."
As the cold steel clicked around the billionaire's wrists, he fell to his knees—just as he had done in his driveway a week ago. But this time, there was no getting back up. His company stocks were crashing in real-time. His empire was dust.
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As Julian was dragged away by federal agents, crying and begging for a deal, General Sterling looked down at him with quiet pity.
"The delivery company has been seized as evidence," the General added as Julian was walked past him. "Your shares will be liquidated and distributed to the workers you tried to exploit. Have a good night, Mr. Vance."
