Chapter 8 - The Cornered Rats
Gemma's smug smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of sheer, panicked terror.
She snatched the federal document from Zachary's hand, her eyes scanning the official court seals.
"You can't do this!" she screamed, her carefully crafted victim persona completely shattering in the hospital hallway.
"The money in those accounts legally belongs to my husband!"
I stepped out of Paisley's room and crossed my arms, looking down at the woman who used to be my best friend.
"You just had your husband arrested for domestic abuse," I reminded her with a cold, hard stare.
"And I just recorded his full confession detailing exactly how you and Brenda committed federal wire fraud."
Gemma's face drained of all color, making her look like a ghost standing under the fluorescent lights.
She shoved past Zachary and sprinted down the hallway, desperately pulling her phone out to call Brenda.
"Let her run," Zachary said, watching her flee.
"The FBI will be waiting at Brenda's house in about twenty minutes."
We spent the rest of the afternoon giving official statements to the federal investigators.
The audio recording of Andrew's desperate confession was the final nail in their collective coffin.
By sunset, my phone was blowing up with news alerts.
Brenda Foster had been arrested at her country club in front of fifty wealthy socialites.
Gemma was apprehended at the airport, trying to board a one-way flight to Mexico with a suitcase full of fake designer bags.
The next morning, Zachary drove me to the courthouse for the emergency asset recovery hearing.
I wore a sharp, tailored red suit, feeling more powerful and confident than I had in years.
When we walked into the courtroom, Andrew, Gemma, and Brenda were all sitting at the defense table in matching orange jumpsuits.
They looked miserable, exhausted, and completely defeated.
The judge slammed his gavel, immediately ruling in my favor.
"The stolen funds will be returned to Dr. Miller with interest, and the fraudulent deed transfer is hereby nullified," the judge declared loudly.
I had won everything back.
But as the bailiffs approached to escort the prisoners away, Brenda suddenly stood up and pointed a shaking finger at me.
May you like
"You think you won, Samantha?" Brenda screamed, her eyes wild with an unhinged madness.
"You have no idea who you are actually sleeping next to!"
