Chapter 6 - The Anatomy of a Total Devaluation
The dismantlement of Ethan and Lorraine’s opulent lifestyle was executed with ruthless, automated efficiency. The lead investigator didn't bother listening to Ethan’s blustery threats. He shoved a federal arrest warrant and an emergency asset-seizure order directly into Ethan’s chest.
"Ethan Mercer, Lorraine Mercer, you are hereby served with federal arrest warrants for felony domestic assault, witness intimidation, corporate wire fraud, and the systematic embezzlement of protected family trust accounts," the inspector announced crisply, his voice echoing off the marble floors of the foyer.
Lorraine dropped her wineglass, the red liquid splashing violently across the white tiles like a pool of blood. "You can't do this! Do you know who my son is? We are untouchable! We control Mercer Development!" she screamed, lunging forward before two female deputies intercepted her, slapping heavy steel handcuffs onto her wrists with a definitive, metallic click.
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Ethan stared in blank horror as the officers bypassed his protests, sweeping past him into the house. "No... no, there must be a mistake. Our accounts are encrypted, our firewall—"
"Your firewall was mirrored off-site twenty minutes ago by your wife's legal representation, complete with video feeds and audio logs of tonight's assault," the inspector interrupted coldly, slamming the cuffs onto Ethan's wrists as well. The illusion of power vanished in an instant, leaving them exposed as desperate criminals facing total ruin.
