Chapter 10 - The Grand Jury Indictments
Two hours later, the top-floor executive boardroom of The Aurelia Grand was transformed into an emergency federal command center. Special Agent Nathan Reed and Assistant United States Attorney Claire Holloway sat around the long conference table, reviewing the mountain of seized digital evidence.
Serena Vance entered the room, having changed into an impeccably tailored midnight-blue pantsuit, her injuries professionally dressed by the hotel’s private medical staff. Though faint bruises were still visible on her temple and cheek, her presence radiated absolute authority and poise.
“Chairman Vance, the emergency grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois just returned a seventy-four-count indictment,” Prosecutor Holloway announced, sliding the signed legal decree across the table. “Every single member of Howard Kensington’s inner circle has been formally charged under the federal RICO statutes.”
“What is the status of their international assets?” Serena asked, taking her rightful seat at the head of the boardroom table. “Howard had established twelve dummy holding corporations in Luxembourg and the British Virgin Islands.”
“Interpol executed coordinated search warrants across Zurich, London, and Grand Cayman thirty minutes ago,” Agent Reed reported, showing the real-time seizure confirmations on his tablet. “Over four hundred million dollars in hidden liquid capital has been frozen and remitted to the federal restitution escrow.”
Arthur Montgomery smiled warmly, placing a fresh cup of tea before Serena. “The Vance Continental stock price rebounded eleven percent in after-hours trading the moment the press release confirmed your leadership, Chairman.”
“And what about Victoria?” Serena inquired, her tone businesslike and devoid of personal malice. “Has her legal defense filed for emergency bail?”
“The magistrate denied bail with prejudice after reviewing the audio recording of Marcus Vance’s crash,” Holloway stated firmly. “Victoria and Howard will remain in maximum-security federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center until their trial begins.”
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Serena looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering Chicago skyline, the dark storm clouds finally parting to reveal a canopy of stars. “This was never just about reclaiming our money, Arthur; it was about ensuring my father’s name remains untarnished by their corruption.”
“Your father would be prouder of you tonight than on any day in his life, Serena,” Arthur replied softly. “You didn't just survive their wolves; you dismantled their entire pack.”
