Chapter 2 - The False Warrant
The men moved with terrifying, synchronized precision through the sea of horrified guests.
I instinctively pulled Lily behind my legs to shield her from the approaching threat.
The lead agent stopped right in front of us and unclipped a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his belt.
"Elena Rostova, you are under arrest for grand larceny and the severe physical abuse of a minor," he announced loudly.
The entire ballroom erupted into chaotic whispers and gasps of pure disbelief.
"I have never laid a hand on my daughter in my entire life!" I screamed, my voice shaking with raw terror.
The agent pulled a folded document from his jacket and shoved it aggressively into my face.
"We have a signed medical affidavit confirming multiple untreated fractures on the child."
I looked down at the paper and felt the blood drain completely from my face.
The medical report bore the official stamp of the private pediatric clinic that Nathaniel owned.
Nathaniel stepped firmly between me and the armed federal agents.
"This is an absurd fabrication, and you have no legal jurisdiction in my home," Nathaniel stated with lethal calmness.
He demanded to see the signature on the sworn affidavit that authorized this midnight raid.
The agent smirked coldly and turned the final page of the document around for Nathaniel to see.
"The abuse report was officially filed and signed by you, Mr. Cross."
Nathaniel stared at the flawless forgery of his own signature, realizing the depth of Vanessa's sinister trap.
Vanessa stood near the champagne fountain, sipping her drink with a victorious, mocking expression.
"You cannot protect them, Nathaniel, because the law says you are the one who turned them in," she purred.
Two agents lunged forward, grabbing my arms and twisting them painfully behind my back.
Lily began to scream and cry, reaching her tiny chocolate-stained hands out toward me.
"Mommy, please do not let them take me!" she sobbed hysterically.
Nathaniel did not waste another second trying to reason with corrupt men.
He grabbed a heavy silver champagne bucket from the table and swung it brutally into the lead agent's face.
May you like
The agent collapsed to the marble floor in a spray of ice and expensive alcohol.
"Run, Elena!" Nathaniel roared, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the kitchen service doors.
