Chapter 8 - The Investigation Concludes
By sunrise, the Grandview Estate was quiet again.
Federal agents and local police officers had cleared the scene, hauling Arthur Vance and his associates away in armored transport vehicles. The story of the corporate espionage conspiracy, the fake pregnancy, and the dramatic balcony arrest dominated regional news headlines by breakfast.
In the sunlit morning room of the estate, Victor Vance sat across from Marcello, sipping black coffee. The heavy steel briefcase and the recovered flash drives rested on the mahogany table between them.
"The federal prosecutors said the audio logs on that harness contained enough evidence to dismantle three major corporate espionage syndicates," Victor said, setting his cup down. "Arthur is going away for thirty years. Julianna signed a full confession in exchange for a reduced sentence."
"And the company?" Marcello asked.
"Completely secure," Victor smiled faintly, looking out the window at the gardens. "Every wire transfer was frozen before the funds left the country, thanks to your quick work with the backup network."
Victor reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a thick leather folder, sliding it across the table toward Marcello.
"What's this?" Marcello asked.
"A trust fund," Victor explained quietly. "Established in Lily’s name. Full university tuition, a private trust, and ten percent non-voting equity in Vance Logistics."
Marcello raised his eyebrows. "Victor, that's millions of dollars. She's three years old."
"She saw what twenty high-society adults were too blind—or too polite—to notice," Victor said firmly. "She saved my brother's legacy. It's the least the Vance family can do."
At that moment, Clara walked into the morning room, holding Lily’s small hand. The little girl was wearing a bright yellow sundress, clutching a small stuffed bear, looking entirely refreshed and unbothered by the chaos of the previous night.
"Morning, Uncle Marcello!" Lily chirped cheerfully, running over to give him a warm hug around his knees.
Marcello laughed, picking her up and setting her on his lap. "Good morning, detective. Did you sleep well?"
"Yup," Lily nodded happily. "Mommy said we get to go to the park today."
Victor looked at the little girl with immense warmth and gratitude. "Lily, do you know what you did last night?"
May you like
Lily tilted her head, her bright eyes innocent and curious. "I found the lady's soft belly."
Victor chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You certainly did, sweetie. You certainly did."
