Chapter 6 - The Public Execution
Derek turned his head slowly toward Brittany, his eyes filled with rising terror. "Brittany... what is she talking about?"
"She's lying!" Brittany shrieked, backing away as the crowd gasped. "She’s trying to ruin us because you left her!"
Paige Vance stepped out of the crowd, carrying a sleek tablet. She touched the screen, and the main digital display screens surrounding the ballroom—normally reserved for corporate sponsor logos—instantly shifted to display certified medical records and bank transfer receipts.
The room erupted into loud, shocked chatter.
Displayed in high-definition for every CEO, investor, and board member in the city to see were the bank transfers showing Derek stealing $250,000 from my mother’s inheritance, followed immediately by the official hospital report confirming Brittany Hale was never pregnant.
"You faked it?!" Derek screamed at Brittany, his voice cracking loudly across the grand room. "I gave up my daughter for you! I ruined my career for you!"
"You didn't give up your daughter for her, Derek," I said, my voice ringing clear and authoritative over the commotion. "You gave up your daughter because you are a coward who only cares about money and status. And now, you have neither."
Two uniformed police officers stepped through the crowd, walking directly up to Derek and placing heavy steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
"Derek Morrison," the lead officer declared, "you are under arrest for felony grand larceny, financial fraud, and embezzlement."
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"Emma! Please!" Derek sobbed as the officers dragged him backward across the polished marble floor. "Tell them it’s a mistake! I’m Aria’s father! I love you, Emma! Please!"
I turned my back on him as the doors slammed shut, ending his presence in my life forever.
