Chapter 7 - The Collapse of Vance Holdings
ichard Vance," Mercer’s calm, authoritative voice cut through the silent Newport air.
"You are under arrest for federal securities fraud, money laundering, and the illegal
diversion of trust funds. We have a federal warrant to seize all assets belonging to Vance Holdings
and its subsidiary shell companies."
My mother let out a high-pitched, hysterical shriek, falling against the stone pillar of the estate.
"This is a mistake! We are the Vances! You cannot do this here! This is my daughter's wedding!"
"Actually, Mrs. Vance, we can," Mercer replied, showing her the signed federal warrant. "The
evidence of your husband’s financial crimes was delivered to us directly from a secure, primary
source within your own family. All accounts, including your personal trust funds and your daughter
Camille's Milan accounts, have been frozen as of ten minutes ago."
Camille’s face went completely pale. She ran toward Mercer, screaming like a lunatic, her gold
designer gown trailing in the mud. "My accounts? No! You can't touch my money! That's my
inheritance! Elise, do something! Tell them they're wrong!"
I stopped walking, holding my heavy ivory train in one hand while keeping my other hand
slipped into Daniel's. I looked at my sister, my face completely devoid of any pity. "I was the one who
The Silk in Pieces 6
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called them, Camille," I said, my voice echoing clearly across the silent crowd of senators and
billionaires. "You cut my dress apart last night and texted 'Oops.' Well... oops. Your entire life of
unearned luxury, paid for with my stolen trust fund, is officially over. You can't buy your way out of
May you like
this one."
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